Integration of Ayush Services into Ayushman Arogya Mandir

Why in news

The article discusses the upgradation and operationalization of existing Ayush Dispensaries and Sub Health Centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Ayush Mission (NAM), aiming to integrate Ayush services into the public healthcare system.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Society, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. 12500 units of existing Ayush Dispensaries and Sub Health Centres (SCs) have been upgraded for operationalisation as Ayush Health & Wellness Centres.
2. These upgraded centres are now renamed as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) [AAM(Ayush)].
3. The upgradation is carried out under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Ayush Mission (NAM).
4. AAM (Ayush) aims to establish a holistic wellness model based on Ayush principles and practices.
5. The model focuses on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare.
6. It involves integration with the existing public healthcare system and a team-based approach, including field-level workers like ASHAs.
7. States/UTs have reported an increase in beneficiary footfall after the upgradation of Ayush Dispensaries/Sub health centres into AAM (Ayush).

Prelims pointers

• National Ayush Mission (NAM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Ayush Health & Wellness Centres are now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush).
• The objective of AAM (Ayush) includes preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare.
• AAM (Ayush) aims for integration with the existing public healthcare system.
• Field-level workers like ASHAs are involved in the team-based approach of AAM (Ayush).

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of integrating Ayush services into the mainstream public healthcare system, as exemplified by the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) initiative. What challenges might arise in achieving a truly holistic wellness model?

Static linkage

This initiative links to India's broader public health policy, the National Ayush Mission, and the vision of holistic healthcare delivery. It also connects with the Ayushman Bharat initiative's focus on Health and Wellness Centres, extending the scope to include traditional Indian medicine systems.

Significance

The integration of Ayush services into Ayushman Arogya Mandir signifies a crucial step towards mainstreaming traditional Indian medicine systems into public healthcare. It promotes a holistic wellness model, emphasizing preventive and promotive health alongside curative and rehabilitative care, thereby potentially reducing the burden on conventional healthcare systems. By leveraging existing infrastructure and involving field-level workers, it enhances accessibility to Ayush services, offering informed choices to the public and strengthening primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.