Panchkarma and Ksharasutra being popularised in a big way
Himachal Pradesh is bestowed with a huge herbal wealth and the state government is committed to harness traditional Indian medicinal assets in a scientific way. Since ancient times, there has been a significant role of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy in treatment which has the ability to uproot the diseases.
The State is providing medical care facilities to the people through 34 Ayurvedic hospitals, 1175 Ayurvedic medical centers, 14 Homeopathic health centers, 3 Unani health centers and 4 Amachi health centers. Panchkarma specialist services have been made available at 17 different Ayurvedic hospitals besides setting up nine Ksharsutra units.
The Chief Minister has announced Anemia Prevention Programme in three development blocks in the state viz: Theog, Karsog and Kasauli and expenditure of Rs. 1.27 crore has been proposed which would be provided by Ministry of AYUSH. A programme management unit has been set up with Central Assistance in the Directorate of Ayurveda, so that the schemes of the Central and the State Government could be implemented in a time bound and effective manner and opportunities for employment to the youth could also be made available. The proposal for setting up of such units at the districts was sent to GoI for which the Ministry has given its formal approval.
A proposal for central assistance of Rs 4 crore for the strengthening of three state Ayurvedic pharmacies and a drug testing laboratory was sent to the Central Government on which the Ministry of AYUSH has given its consent. This amount will be spent to purchase new machines for pharmacies, installation of in house quality testing lab and to increase the manpower. This additional financial assistance will also be utilized on providing training to Drug Inspectors to check quality of Ayurvedic drugs manufactured in private sector in the State.
Ayurveda Minister Vipin Singh Parmar said that the State Government had sent a proposal of Annual Action Plan of Rs 7.58 crore for the year 2018-19 to AYUSH Ministry. The Ministry of AYUSH has provided this amount for the State on the basis of utilization certificate and expenditure statement submitted by the state. On achieving better results in Ayurveda sector, the state got an opportunity to prepare a supplementary work plan. The Department had submitted supplementary annual work plan of Rs.18.85 crores to AYUSH Ministry for the current financial year, and the AYUSH Ministry has given its consent to sanction this amount for the state on November 28, 2018.
Vipin Singh Parmar said that the state has received such a huge amount for the first time, which would go a long way in bringing transformation in Ayurvedic medicine system. Out of this amount, Rs. 8 crore will be spent on the purchase of Ayurvedic medicines which is in addition to the State budget. The remaining amount will be spent on providing basic infrastructure in hospitals, under which necessary equipment, installation of Panchkarma and Ksharasutra centers and other infrastructure will be created.
Shri Parmar said that about 250 varieties of medicinal plants can be cultivated in the state. State Medicinal Plant Board has been formed in the state under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants, which will not only strengthen their economy, but also ensure the availability of these plants for manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines.