New Nodal Body Under National AYUSH Mission
On Tuesday, the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a proposal to establish the Delhi State AYUSH Society (DSAS) under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). This move aims to integrate traditional systems of medicine more effectively into Delhi’s public healthcare framework. The proposal has now been sent to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for final approval.
Once cleared, DSAS will be formally registered under the Societies Registration Act and will function as the nodal agency for all AYUSH-related activities across the capital.
Coordinated Effort to Promote Traditional Systems
Officials said the new society will coordinate, implement, and monitor AYUSH programmes in line with NAM’s core objectives. These include the promotion and integration of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) into mainstream healthcare services.
“By forming this society, we can streamline AYUSH services in the capital and access greater support through the central scheme,” a senior official stated.
Expanding Treatment Options and Health Infrastructure
As reported by Hindustan Times, the National AYUSH Mission, launched by the Central Government in 2014, supports the integration of traditional medicine with conventional systems. It promotes AYUSH through wellness centres, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with existing healthcare institutions such as primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and district hospitals.
The mission operates under a centrally sponsored funding model, with the Centre contributing 60% and the state bearing the remaining 40%. The allocated funds can be used for infrastructure upgrades, medicine procurement, healthcare worker training, and public outreach initiatives.
Learning from Other States
Several states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, have already established similar AYUSH societies to implement NAM effectively on the ground. With Delhi following suit, the capital can now strengthen its healthcare services through better coordination and access to national resources.
Existing AYUSH Infrastructure in Delhi
Currently, Delhi hosts four AYUSH hospitals, namely:
- Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College & Hospital, Karol Bagh
- Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Defence Colony
- Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, Dabur Khera
- BR Sur Homoeopathic Hospital, Nanakpura
The formation of DSAS will help unify efforts among these institutions and promote more efficient use of resources while improving AYUSH service delivery citywide.