The Union minister of state for Ayush (independent charge), Shripad Yesso Naik has given assurance to the Ayurveda community in Kerala that he would favourably initiate all possible steps to solve the problems and difficulties encountered by the people in the Ayush industry, academia, healthcare and research.

The minister wanted all the stakeholders of Ayurveda to give him some time to learn more about the sector as he has just taken over charge, and the ministry was formed recently for the first time in the country.

The minister was delivering the keynote address at the 'Vision-Ayurveda-2020', organised by Ayurveda Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI) in association with the industry cell of the BJP in Kerala. He said his ministry would positively consider all the demands made by AMMOI on behalf of the Ayurveda community in Kerala.

The organisation wanted the minister to establish the Rs.100 crore project of the Central government, National Institute of Medicinal Plants (NIMP), in Kerala, the hub of Ayurveda system. Later, the minister informed the office-bearers of AMMOI that he would consider their demand of setting up NIMP in the God’s own country.

“The healthcare sector in Kerala has high standards and Ayurveda system has a major role in the management programmes of the healthcare system. I assure all the people of the industry that the Ayush ministry at the Centre is ready to fulfill the dreams of the Ayurveda community, especially of the manufacturers. I know that the Ayurveda sector is facing so many problems and difficulties. The government will try to solve all of them, but I want some time and your support”, he said while addressing the industry and academic people.

Representing Ayurveda sector, AMMOI general secretary, Dr D. Ramanathan presented a list of demands to the minister. He requested the Union minister to make the birthday of Dhanwanthari, the founder of Ayurveda, as Ayurveda Day. Another major demand included formation of a department for Ayurveda in Kerala.  The minister also promised his possible support in this matter.

Among problems of sufferings faced by Ayurveda manufacturers, the secretary of AMMOI openly informed the Union minister that the manufacturers of Ayurveda medicines in the state are tormented by various department officials under the pretext of inspections.  They are harassed by officials of forest department, excise department, fire services, pollution control board, police etc in addition to revenue department.

Padmashree Dr P R Krishna Kumar, chairman of Care-Keralam (Ayush cluster), in his speech requested the minister to take steps to make the Indian system of medicines to be the mainstream medicine in the country as it cannot be considered as alternative system.