Government support for Ayurveda remains stagnant despite rising demand, private sector growth

AMRITSAR: Despite the impressive growth in the number of private Ayurvedic practitioners, retail shops selling Ayurvedic medicines, and Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies since 1969, the govt’s contribution has remained frozen in time.The 26 Ayurvedic dispensaries established in 1969 continue to be exactly 26. Even the much-celebrated 50-bedded Government Ayurvedic Hospital set up at Verka , near Amritsar in 2011 functions with a single Medical Officer unsupported by any other staff.However, the much-publicised upgradation undertaken by the govt has been limited to converting only 10 Ayurvedic dispensaries into Ayushman Arogya Kendras. On average, 30 to 40 patients visit the 50-bedded Ayurvedic hospital as well as each of the 26 dispensaries and Ayushman Arogya Kendras daily. Despite this outpatient footfall, the hospital records no inpatient admissions due to the absence of specialists, including gynecologist, ENT, Pediatrics , surgeons etc.Commenting on the situation, veteran Ayurvedic physician Dr S. K. Sudhanshu said that governmental apathy has resulted in a failure to accord Ayurveda its due importance and rightful place within the public healthcare system. Stating that the number of people seeking Ayurvedic treatment is continuously on the rise, he observed that this growing demand has led to the proliferation of private Ayurvedic practitioners and branded Ayurvedic centres in the city. While these centres do offer Ayurvedic treatment, it comes at a significantly higher cost.When asked about graduates of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Ayurvedic medical colleges, he said that nearly 80 percent of BAMS graduates join allopathic hospitals, while only a small proportion pursue Ayurvedic practice, as employment in allopathic settings provides immediate financial returns.It is learnt that about a decade ago there were 36 Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies in Amritsar, and over the past 10 years, this number has increased to 56. In contrast, govt facilities have remained unchanged, even as the number of private Ayurvedic practitioners has multiplied several times.Acknowledging that the number of govt Ayurvedic dispensaries has remained at 26 since 1969, District Ayurveda and Unani Officer Dr Dinesh Kumar stated that the department regularly apprises the authorities of the prevailing situation and that it is ultimately for the govt to make a decision. Responding to a query on why the Government Ayurvedic Hospital at Verka has only one Medical Officer, he said that representations have been submitted to the department seeking additional staff, including specialists, and expressed hope that the posts would be filled in the near future.