Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Apr 21: The Goa government has given its approval to set up a dedicated AYUSH department, marking a major step toward strengthening traditional systems of medicine in the state.
The decision, cleared by the state cabinet, will end the current arrangement under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and provide focused governance for AYUSH-related activities.
At the national level, the Ministry of AYUSH was established in November 2014 to promote systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
The AYUSH framework emphasises holistic and preventive healthcare, offering natural and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects. It plays a key role in addressing chronic and lifestyle diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and hypertension, while also enabling non-surgical treatment options.
In addition, several insurance schemes cover in-patient care under AYUSH systems, while initiatives like the National Ayush Mission support infrastructure development, medicine supply and service quality. Programmes such as Ayurswasthya Yojana and Ayurgyan Scheme further strengthen research, education and professional training in the field.
In Goa, AYUSH services are currently managed through a dedicated cell under the Directorate of Health Services. Over the years, the state has significantly expanded its infrastructure, with Ayurvedic and homoeopathic facilities available across primary health centres, community health centres, urban health centres, sub-district hospitals and district hospitals.
AYUSH practitioners provide outpatient care, distribute medicines, conduct therapies and offer lifestyle guidance. The state also operates eight AYUSH Wellness Centres, where yoga sessions are conducted and Panchakarma therapies such as janu basti, kati basti, rakta mokshan and agni karma are offered.
Officials said the new department will improve coordination, ensure better implementation of policies and enable dedicated allocation of resources and funding for AYUSH services and infrastructure.
The move is also expected to enhance access to traditional healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, while maintaining standards in education, training and practice within AYUSH disciplines.