Andhra Pradesh to expand AYUSH medical care

The AYUSH department of Andhra Pradesh will expand its facilities in different parts of the state and invest in the PPP model wherever required

Andhra Pradesh’s Ayush Department is on a visionary mission to expand its medical care facilities in different parts of the state, and provide people with alternate medicines other than allopathy for treatment. The department of AYUSH plans to open hospitals and wellness centres, expand existing facilities including, upgradation of existing dispensaries, hospitals and teaching institutions of Ayurveda and Homeopathy.

A vision plan of the Department was discussed at the first meeting of National AYUSH Mission Governing Body, chaired by Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao here today, an official release said.

Creation of 30 bedded hospitals in every Revenue Division, preferably in an integrated manner -- Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Homeopathy along with Yoga centres nearby the dispensaries - as well as 50 bedded hospitals in every district headquarters are part of this plan.

It also talked about establishment of wellness centres in all Municipalities and Municipal Corporations and temple towns in association with Endowments and Tourism Departments, and 10-20 bedded hospitals in Mandal headquarters.

"In order to achieve the vision goals and objectives of AYUSH Department, the Government of Andhra Pradesh may look for PPP (public-private-partnership) if necessary, to serve the people of the State with alternative medical systems to choose other than Allopathy, as the State is newly formed and heavy investments may not be possible in all the sectors," the Chief Secretary was quoted as saying.

Special Chief Secretary Health LV Subrahmanyam, Secretary Finance M Ravichandra and Commissioner AYUSH D Nalini Mohan were among those who attended the meeting, as confirmed by PTI.