National Ayush Mission Enhancing Community Access to Affordable Healthcare

New Delhi: The National Ayush Mission (NAM) has emerged as a key initiative in empowering communities with accessible and cost-effective healthcare rooted in traditional practices, according to Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Ayush.

Jadhav highlighted to IANS, the transformative impact of the NAM. The series showcases real-life stories of how NAM has reduced the disease burden and promoted wellness across the nation by improving healthcare access and lowering out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

“This film series is a step toward making information about our initiatives readily accessible to the public,” said Jadhav, emphasizing Ayush’s critical role in enhancing public health outcomes.

The NAM, in collaboration with state and union territory governments, focuses on strengthening Ayush healthcare services and integrating them into mainstream public health. Key initiatives include the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) to promote preventive care and the development of Ayush educational institutions to advance research and education in traditional medicine.

Since its inception, NAM has supported the establishment of 167 Integrated Ayush Hospitals and upgraded 416 Ayush Hospitals and 5,036 dispensaries. The mission has ensured the annual supply of essential Ayush medicines to 996 hospitals and 12,405 dispensaries. Furthermore, NAM has facilitated the establishment of 16 new Ayush educational institutions and upgraded 112 existing ones.

Promoting holistic wellness, NAM has also set up 3,883 Yoga Wellness Centres, 1,055 Ayush Grams, and 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. These initiatives aim to enhance preventive and promotive healthcare services while reducing the overall disease burden.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, stated that NAM emphasizes medical pluralism and aims to transform public health by improving access to preventive and promotive care.

With these impactful initiatives, the National Ayush Mission is paving the way for holistic healthcare and wellness, fostering an inclusive and sustainable approach to public health across India.