In order to improve the condition of ayurveda health centres and dispensaries spread across the state, the Health Department in Kerala is trying for incorporating the ayurveda in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
According to sources, Kerala Health Minister Srimathi Teacher is likely to hold talks with Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss in this regard soon.
The state health department is adopting this measure as the ISM department feels that its participation in the NRHM will be beneficial for the development of ayurveda health centers and dispensaries which are not in good shape in the state. It will also be good for the proper utilization of ayurveda knowledge base prevalent in the state for the betterment of the nation.
According to sources, till date Kerala's ayurveda department had not been an integral part of the NRHM and had been functioning as a separate entity in the state. But in other states, AYUSH was playing a collaborative role in the NRHM project. Allopathic doctors and ayurveda doctors were functioning hand in hand for the betterment of the society, but it was only in Kerala that ISM has remained aloof.
While the Allopathic sector was getting a development fund of Rs 20,000 per medical centre for the up-gradation and maintenance purpose, the ISM department was getting a meagre amount. Besides, there is a severe shortage of nurses and other staff in the ISM centres. "There are only 2 nurses per centre and this is insufficient considering the workload of the ISM department. Moreover, there is a need for trained masseurs for doing panchakarma treatment, etc. More funds are required to fill these vacancies. If it is included in the NRHM, the flow of funds will be easier," sources said.
Sources informed that Kerala being one of the main hubs of ayurveda and due to the presence of large number of ayurveda centres, it would be beneficial if the ayurveda department is linked with NRHM project. The knowledge base of the ayurveda doctors could also be used to serve the people in a better manner.