Haryana Chief Minister Advocates Ayurveda as Premier System for Lifestyle Disease Management
In a significant address at the golden jubilee celebrations of Shri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College and Hospital in Chandigarh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini declared Ayurveda to be the most sustainable and effective system of care for managing prevalent lifestyle diseases. He specifically highlighted its crucial role in addressing conditions such as stress, diabetes, and hypertension, underscoring the traditional medicine's holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Major Infrastructure and Academic Initiatives Unveiled
During the event, Chief Minister Saini inaugurated a new academic block, released a scientific journal dedicated to Ayurvedic research, and honored long-standing members associated with the prestigious institution. He outlined comprehensive steps being taken by the state government to significantly strengthen the AYUSH sector across Haryana.
Key developments include:
- The establishment of Shri Krishna AYUSH University in Kurukshetra, developed at an approximate cost of Rs 500 crore, with the college now affiliated to this central institution.
- Upgradation of infrastructure, promotion of advanced research, and expansion of professional opportunities for Ayurvedic practitioners statewide.
- Creation of AYUSH wings in all districts under the National Health Mission framework, supported by the recruitment of 572 AYUSH medical officers to enhance service delivery.
Widespread Upgradation of Health Facilities and Yoga Infrastructure
The Chief Minister provided detailed updates on the transformation of healthcare facilities, noting that approximately 400 Ayurvedic dispensaries and 138 sub-health centers have been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Additionally, specialized Panchakarma centers are being systematically set up across various districts to offer traditional detoxification therapies.
Parallel efforts are focused on expanding yoga infrastructure, with ambitious plans to establish yoga and Vyayamshalas in 6,500 villages throughout Haryana. To date, 965 Vyayamshalas have been made fully operational, while construction and development work is actively underway on an additional 139 facilities.
Global Recognition and Future Directions
Reflecting on yoga's international prominence, Saini credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its global recognition and the successful establishment of International Yoga Day on June 21. This acknowledgment aligns with the state's broader vision to integrate traditional wellness practices into modern healthcare, positioning Ayurveda and yoga as cornerstone solutions for contemporary health challenges.
