In a move to breathe fresh air into AYUSH streams (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) in the state, the state government has taken decisive steps to set up an exclusive department for it. The decision, it is learnt, is mainly to effectively utilise the big money allotted each year by the Union Ministry towards AYUSH, which otherwise would go unused. The growth of AYUSH will also help control the general sway towards allopathy, said the experts.
According to sources, the Chief Minister is set to expedite creation of the exclusive AYUSH department as he has received necessary impetus from Shripad Yesso Naik, the Union Minister of State for AYUSH..
Promoting AYUSH in every state was also part of the Central government’s objective. The foundation for the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) has also been laid in the current 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17).
The process for an exclusive AYUSH Department virtually started early 2014 with the government instructing the Institute of Management to prepare a feasibility study report.
The report prepared by its faculty member Mini B Nair was submitted to the Health Secretary by mid 2014, carrying recommendations such as amalgamation of AYUSH streams and appointment of an IAS officer to look after the administration.
An agency under NAM would be established in each state, according to the report. It will, however, look into planning, supervision and monitoring of various schemes under AYUSH.
The report verified by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department is now being submitted to the CM for the final nod.
According special secretary of AYUSH, M Beena, the proposed State AYUSH Department is to be considered a significant step as NAM will provide the fund giving flexibility in carrying out promotional activities. [Source]
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