Government of Karnataka is planning to open Ayush-based (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) outpatient units in all the taluka hospitals in the state in a phased manner in association with various organizations, which are involved in promoting Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM).

The state department of Ayush in collaboration with the Shantivana Trust of Dharmasthala has already opened outpatient units in 10 taluka-level hospitals in the state on public-private partnership model. These units have proved to be useful in extending natural health services to the public. “We intend to extend this concept to all the districts of Karnataka in a phased manner”, said Karnataka chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda, during the International Conference on Yoga, Naturopathy (ICYN) & Arogya Expo 2012 held between February 9-13.

“Our government has duly recognized the importance of Yoga in daily life and has given priority for the empowerment of this sector. In an effort to promote Yoga and Naturopathy through educational initiatives, the government also plans to set up a number of schools and colleges.

“We have already established a full-fledged Yoga & Naturopathy college in Mysore. This institute is offering several useful courses. Yoga and Naturopathy are safe and effective combination of drugless therapy. They need to be promoted in the interest of society,” the Karnataka chief minister pointed out.

“Altered lifestyle, food habits, stressful life, overuse of medicine and pollution have made health to be measured by percentage of diseases. World over, people are looking for a safe, effective and multidimensional healthcare system based on Yoga, which advocates that healing and happiness come from within. It is Yoga and Naturopathy which have now emerged as the proven alternative to prevent and cure a variety of ailments, including lifestyle diseases.  The government will continue to provide support to Yoga and Naturopathy in order to extend the benefits to society,” he said.

A conclave of leading Yoga gurus, elected representatives, policy-makers, and seers, as part of the ongoing ICYN have also passed a resolution urging the Centre to allocate 10 per cent of the Health sector budget to Ayush in an effort to promote Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM).

The government should promote Ayush extensively so that the benefits of the ISM reached the masses, including the villagers. The conclave also felt that Ayush was the best form of therapy that can provide holistic care to the masses because it emphasizes on prevention rather than cure of diseases.  Further, resolutions were also passed to ensure proper documentation and recording of data relating to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddhi & Homoeopathy therapies and treatment methods. It also stressed upon the need to promote research and development into Ayush therapies to standardize treatment techniques, stated G N Sreekantaiah, director, Department of Ayush, Government of Karnataka.