Establishment of New Ayush Institutes and Hospitals in the Country

The establishment of new Ayush institutes and hospitals under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) represents a significant policy intervention in India's healthcare landscape, rooted in the constitutional framework that designates 'Public Health' as a State subject under Entry 6 of the State List (List II) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. This means primary responsibility for healthcare delivery rests with State governments, yet the Union government plays a catalytic role through Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like NAM, reflecting the cooperative federalism model enshrined in Articles 256 and 258. Launched in 2014-15, NAM aims to address critical gaps in Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) infrastructure — particularly in States with inadequate government teaching institutions and healthcare facilities. The scheme's design acknowledges regional disparities; for instance, while Kerala received Rs. 40,420.12 lakhs and Uttar Pradesh Rs. 1,06,421.56 lakhs (the highest), smaller UTs like Lakshadweep (Rs. 2,088.33 lakhs) and Ladakh (Rs. 705.11 lakhs) also received targeted support, ensuring equitable resource distribution. The financial outlay of Rs. 6,40,699.24 lakhs from 2014-15 to 2025-26 underscores the government's commitment to mainstreaming traditional medicine. Key components include establishing new Ayush colleges where government institutions are scarce, setting up 50/30/10 bedded integrated Ayush hospitals, upgrading standalone hospitals and dispensaries, and operationalizing Ayushman Arogya Mandirs — a rebranding of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres under the Ayushman Bharat framework. This integration with Ayushman Bharat (launched 2018) aligns with the National Health Policy 2017's vision of 'health for all' and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The focus on Eastern India, including Odisha (Rs. 11,941.69 lakhs), addresses historical neglect in tribal and rural belts where Ayush systems have deep cultural roots and high community acceptance. Stakeholders span the Ministry of Ayush (nodal), State/UT Health and Ayush Departments (implementing agencies), Panchayati Raj Institutions (local governance), and communities. The SAAP (State Annual Action Plan) mechanism ensures bottom-up planning, enhancing accountability. Politically, this strengthens the Centre's welfare narrative; economically, it boosts the Ayush industry — projected to reach $23 billion by 2025 — and generates employment in education, manufacturing, and wellness tourism. Socially, it validates indigenous knowledge systems, promoting health-seeking behaviour in underserved areas. Future implications include deeper integration with digital health (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission), standardization of Ayush education via the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), and potential global leadership in traditional medicine — evidenced by the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar (established 2022). However, challenges remain: quality control, scientific validation, interoperability with allopathy, and sustainable funding beyond 2025-26. For aspirants, this exemplifies Centre-State dynamics, CSS architecture, and the policy push for 'pluralistic healthcare' — a recurring theme in UPSC GS-II, GS-III, and State PSC exams.