The Ayush Ministry is in the process of refining a plan to promote yoga and establish Ayush camps for senior citizens, along with a 500-bed hospital run by Ayurveda. These initiatives are part of several people-oriented projects that the ministry aims to launch within the first 100 days of the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The ministry has selected various themes to present to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), including policies on research and innovation in AYUSH and a significant effort to introduce a collection of botanicals to global markets.

Ayush Ministry
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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his third term, all Union ministries and departments have been directed to prepare their presentations for the ‘100-Day Action Plan’. These presentations are anticipated to be submitted to the PMO and then to the Union Council of Ministers in the following week.

The Ministry of Ayush, established in 2014 under the guidance of PM Modi, represents Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha & Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The potential for growth in the Ayush market was underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, as the population increasingly adopted Ayush-based practices, following their promotion by PM Modi in his speeches and radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

What exactly is the '100-Day Action Plan'?

Under the ‘100-DAY ACTION PLAN’, the ministry is developing several public health programs. One such initiative is a plan to encourage the practice of yoga among Indian families. The final plan is still being discussed, but the objective is to promote yoga among individuals and families in India.

The ministry is also creating a program for senior citizens, as recommended by a Niti Aayog report released in February this year. The report suggests that integrating Ayush systems for senior care through preventive, wellness, and therapeutic interventions could significantly address the health concerns of the elderly.

The ministry plans to organize Ayush camps at various locations throughout India. These camps could offer specialized clinics for the elderly, similar to outpatient departments, either free of charge or for a minimal fee. The Ministry of Social Justice had previously approached the Ministry of Ayush for ideas to assist the elderly.

The Niti Aayog report indicates that the demand for preventive medications with minimal or no side effects from the elderly population is expected to boost the Ayush market.

Plans are also underway to expand the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi by adding 300 beds to the existing 200. The AIIA has been allocated an additional 12 acres of land, and the Ministry of Urban Development is collaborating with the ministry to obtain infrastructure clearances.

The second phase of the AIIA could be inaugurated soon. Panchakarma, the most popular therapy offered at this hospital, could be expanded along with other services in the additional wing. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves five actions to detoxify the body and restore health.

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