150 AYUSH centres to be modernised at Rs 44 crore in AP

Vijayawada: In a move to strengthen traditional medicine systems, the medical and health department has undertaken the modernisation of as many as 150 AYUSH health centres for Rs 44 crore across the state. The initiative, taken up under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) 2025-26, aims to improve infrastructure and expand access to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.According to officials, modernisation works are being carried out in 90 existing centres, while 60 new AYUSH facilities are being constructed in govt hospitals. These include 26 centres in primary health centres (PHCs), 26 in community health centres (CHCs), and eight in district hospitals. Around 50% of the work has already been completed.The construction and upgradation activities are being executed under the supervision of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC). All facilities are being developed in line with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and branding norms of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM)."Each centre will be equipped with essential infrastructure, including dedicated rooms for medical officers, pharmacy units, reception areas, and sanitation facilities, ensuring better service delivery to patients. New AYUSH centres are also being established in district hospitals at Eluru, Machilipatnam, Ongole, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool, and Nandyal, with each unit being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh," health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav said, while announcing that the works are progressing at a brisk pace and will be completed within the next two months.The health minister further alleged that the AYUSH services were neglected during the previous YSRCP regime, leading to dilapidated buildings and inadequate facilities in several centres. The health minister also said the govt expects that the upgraded infrastructure will significantly enhance the reach and quality of traditional healthcare services across the state.