Jaipur: The Centre is preparing a national health policy with special focus on 'AYUSH' (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) system, Union Minister Shripad Naik Friday said.
The Modi Government was in the process of preparing a 'health policy' and would notify the same very soon, Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare, Sripad Naik today said.
The policy would lay emphasis on the AYUSH system, considering its long history of use by various communities, he said, adding, the system requires simple technological inputs for diagnosis of ailments and preparation of medicinal products.
The MoS was speaking at the inauguration of 'Rashtriya Aarogya Mela' here.
"India can bring a revolution in healthcare and be a teacher to the world if we capitalise on our strengths in AYUSH system of medicine by promoting, supporting and spreading awareness about it and its practitioners," he said.
The Department of AYUSH aims at providing attention to development of education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy systems.
"India can meet all its healthcare objectives as also enhance its economy by simplifying AYUSH measures, strengthening its capacities and taking it to the last person in the remotest of the villages," an official release, quoting Naik, said.
Over the past three decades, there has been a tremendous resurgence of world's interest in the AYUSH Systems of medicine, including countries in Europe and USA, the minister claimed.
"It is a matter of pride that there are 519 AYUSH educational institutions including 191 postgraduate colleges where about 35,000 students are admitted annually," Naik said.
India has signed several MoUs for bilateral cooperation in the area of traditional medicine and setting up Ayurveda chairs and AYUSH information centres in various countries, such as South Africa, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago," he further added.
The 'AROGYA' fair which started in 2001 has now grown into a country-wide phenomenon with more than 10 fairs organised throughout the year now, today's fair at Jaipur being the 20th, in addition to 35 state fairs being held so far.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said the state government is promoting Indian traditional medical practices.
She said the world decided to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day as the people had understood power of 'Yoga and Pranayam'.
Expressing concerns on excessive use of urea and other chemical fertilisers in fruits, vegetables, and other edible crops, the chief minister argued for their controlled use.
During the event, the chief minister along with Naik honoured nine practitioners of Indian traditional medical practices for their "excellent services", including Dr Banwari Lal Gaur, Vaidya Banwari Lal Mishra, Ramesh Kumar Bhutia, Radheshyam Garg, Shobhlal Audichya, Shri Girendra Pal, Dr J B Dariyani, Pankaj Sharma and Dr Shaukat Ali.
