Ayush Mission launched in Odisha eight months late

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 17:

The National Ayush Mission was formally launched in Odisha today eight months behind schedule.

The mission, which was to have been inaugurated by Union minister for AYUSH Sripad Naik on the occasion of International Yoga Day on June 21 six months after its nationwide launch, had to be postponed indefinitely after Naik cancelled his visit at the last minute.

Inaugurating the Mission today, Health and Family Welfare minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak laid emphasis on making the Mission people oriented.

He said apart from providing quality health services to the people at a low cost, the Mission will look into the infrastructure development of the concerned educational institutions, quality education, quality control in the preparation of ayurvedic medicines and conservation and development of medicinal plants.

Stating that the state government had taken steps to set up a 50-bedded state-of-the-art integrated Ayush hospital, the minister said the government has decided to set up yoga and arogya centres in seven places in Sambalpur, Brahmapur, Puri, Rourkela and Bhubaneswar.

“The government has decided to set up extensive Ayush medicinal gardens in all parts of the state. Chhanchuni in Ganjam district and Chhatabara in Khordha district have been decalred as Ayush villages where health services and awareness campaign have started,” Nayak said.

Principal secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Arati Ahuja said steps would be taken as part of the Mission for quick implementation of Ayush services in the state and make the services available to the people with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Director, National Health Mission, Rupa Mishra laid emphasis on encouraging Ayush services in health centres and health institutions in the state.

In his welcome address, State Ayush Director, Basudev Bahinipati spoke about the objective of the Mission

A book on implementation of Ayush Mission and another book “Parjyana Muktavali” a collection of ancient palm leaf manuscripts were unveiled by the minister on the occasion.