The Central government has approved the continuation of the centrally sponsored scheme for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) hospitals and dispensaries which was introduced during the 10th Five Year Plan with certain modifications for supporting the mainstreaming of Ayush under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) at a total expenditure of Rs 650 crore.

According to sources, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its nod for the continuation of the project.

The basic objectives of the scheme are to encourage the opening of general and specialized Ayush treatment centres in allopathic hospitals with a view to integrate Ayush health services with mainstream health services in the country, and to provide assistance to the state government for the procurement and supply of essential drugs to Ayush hospitals and dispensaries.

The scheme envisages provisions of the preventive, promotive and curative healthcare covering Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy all over country. Under the scheme grants-in-aid will be provided to the state/union territory governments for the facilities like the establishment of system specific outdoor treatment centres in the primary health centres (PHCs), establishment of Ayush specialized therapy centre with hospitalization facilities in the community health centres (CHCs) with IPD facilities, setting up of Ayush wings in districts hospitals (DHs), supply of essential drugs to hospitals and dispensaries, upgradation of Ayush hospitals / dispensaries other than PHCs/CHC/DHs at the district/sub-district level, setting up of specialized Ayush facilities in government tertiary care Ayush hospitals with public private partnership (PPP) and for providing managerial assistance at the central/state levels and other facilities to support the mainstreaming of Ayush under NRHM.

The approval will facilitate the mainstreaming of Ayush under the National Rural Health Mission by ensuring Ayush services and quality drugs to the people in the rural areas. It will also facilitate the revitalization of traditional systems of medicines at all levels.

The modified scheme will be implemented during the remaining three years of 11th Plan that is 2009-10 to 2011-12. The scheme will facilitate the revitalization of the Ayush sector, widen choice of people in availing quality health care and medicines. It will strengthen Ayush infrastructure and employment for medical practitioners.

The scheme will provide Ayush health care facilities to the people at large and will be implemented in all the state/union territories of the country.