Health Minister Advocates for Ayush Integration in National Health Scheme
Union Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling made a significant appeal on Monday. He directed senior health officials from the Centre, states, and union territories to consider incorporating Ayush packages into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY). This proposal aims to complement the existing modern medicine packages under the scheme.
Minister's Address at National Workshop
Mahaling delivered these remarks during the inaugural session of a two-day national chintan shivir. The event focuses on ABPMJAY and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It commenced in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
"I urge officials and participants to discuss formulating treatment packages under the Ayush system during this workshop," the minister stated. "This includes ayurvedic and homeopathic packages. Currently, we only have allopathic or modern medicine packages available."
Emphasis on Integrated Healthcare
Mahaling highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on promoting the Ayush system alongside allopathic medicine. "Under the 'One Nation, One Health' program, we must include Ayush medicines with modern medicine," he emphasized. "Our goal is to integrate both Ayush and allopathic approaches for comprehensive healthcare."
Odisha's Performance in ABPMJAY
The minister shared impressive statistics about Odisha's implementation of ABPMJAY. The scheme launched in the state on April 11, 2025. Within just nine months, Odisha achieved top rankings.
- Odisha ranked first in distributing ABPMJAY cards to eligible beneficiaries.
- The state secured fifth place in generating Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana (AVVY) cards for senior citizens aged seventy and above.
Digital Platform and Data Security
National Health Authority (NHA) CEO Sunil Kumar Barnwal addressed the gathering. He explained the capabilities of the ABPMJAY and ABDM digital platform.
"Our digital system is designed to onboard multiple service delivery mechanisms," Barnwal noted. "It maintains a uniform, integrated health service standard across India."
He elaborated on the benefits of the large database generated through ABDM.
- It will greatly assist in disease mapping and surveillance efforts.
- The data will support preventive and promotive healthcare initiatives.
Barnwal assured attendees about data security. "Privacy, trust, and security of data within ABDM are ensured at the highest level," he affirmed.
Workshop Sessions and Key Agreements
The two-day chintan shivir features six sessions, including five technical discussions. Following the inauguration, deliberations covered several critical topics.
- Progress of ABPMJAY across various states
- Functionality of the Ayushman App and online card creation modules
- Action plans for ABDM implementation
- Initiatives like e-shushrut@clinic and the Arogya Setu App
- Drug registry updates and ABDM methodology in empanelled hospitals
- National anti-fraud systems to prevent unfair practices
The inaugural session also witnessed the signing of three important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
- NHA partnered with BHASINI to enable multilingual access for health services.
- NHA collaborated with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for joint research projects.
- NHA joined forces with the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABH) to maintain national standards in health facilities.
