Shripad Naik spells Ayush plans for Goa

PANAJI: With Union minister for Ayush (independent charge) Shripad Naik promoting alternative Indian medicine system in a big way, Goa is expected to reap the fruits of the harvest.
“We need to popularize Indian systems of medicine and practices which have no side effects and which are preventive as well as curative. We are creating awareness across the country.This will be followed by setting up the necessary infrastructure,” Naik said, pointing out that PM Narendra Modi is very keen to take Ayush forward.
This promotion of Indian medicine will be executed under National Ayush Mission (NAM), a centrally sponsored scheme notified in December 2014.
More than eight national and state level expos have been organised since the inception of the Ayush ministry in November 2014 and medical camps with free medicines have also been held, Naik said.
Naik told TOI that Ayush facilities would be available from the central level to the village level. He has planned two district hospitals in Goa, one in each district. Primary health centres will also have Ayush facilities.
NAM will be executed by Ayush society or directorate of Ayush. The ministry has plans to set up an Ayush ward at Goa medical college (GMC) hospital, Bambolim, through the state government, with funds from the centre.
The all-India institute of medical sciences (AIIMS) that is proposed to be set up in Goa will have an Ayush department, said Naik, adding that his ministry has already written to the Goa government .
Naik said, under NAM, the government would come out with programmes to preserve and promote medicinal plants in the Western Ghats through the state government. As per NAM, 90% funding will come from the Centre. He also said that Ayush wellness centres including yoga and naturopathy will be set up in the state. Naik opined that Ayush will also boost medical and wellness tourism in Goa