Ayush services emphasised in Budget 2023-24

New Delhi: Government of India focus on integrating Ayush system in National Health ecosystem had got a boost in the Budget 2023-24 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today. 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.

Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had recently talked about need for evidence-based generation of the database for Ayurveda, which will fulfil the parameters of modern science. The increasing budget allocation to Ayush research councils and institutes reflected the same commitment.

Budget allocation to centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM) has got 50 percent increase in allocation from Rs 800 cores to Rs 1200 crores. 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.

NAM also supports cultivation of medical plants, production of quality and standardized ingredient 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.

The budget considers the strength of Indian traditional Indian system of medicine. Other Ayush systems like Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa needs to be promoted through enhancing education facility and community outreach.