Union Budget gives major emphasis on increasing Ayush services, scientific research

The integrating Ayush system in the National Health ecosystem has got a major boost in the Budget 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. The total allocation of budget to Ayush Ministry has increased by 20 percent to Rs 3647 crores. The budget has also emphasized on promoting evidence-based research in Ayush systems through Ayush research councils.

“The budget allocation to centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM) has got a 50 percent increase from Rs 800 crores to Rs 1200 crores. The NAM is majorly focused on providing cost effective Ayush Services with the universal access through up-gradation of Ayush Hospitals and Dispensaries, comprehensive primary health care through upgrading health care facilities as Health & Wellness Centers (HWC), and co-location of Ayush facilities at PHCs, CHCs & DHs”, said Ayush Ministry in a statement.  

The NAM also supports cultivation of medical plants, production of quality and standardized ingredients for supply of Ayush, integration of medicinal plants in farming systems and increasing export of value added items of medicinal plants. All the states (Rs 920 Cr), union territories (Rs 96 Cr) and North eastern areas (Rs 231 Crores) have also witnessed an increase in grants-in-aids i.e from Rs 861.97 Cr to Rs 1246.73 crores, said the ministry.  

The ministry said, “The budget considers the strength of the traditional Indian system of medicine. Other Ayush systems like Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa need to be promoted through enhancing education facilities and community outreach”.