THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state committee of the Ayurveda Medical Association of India(AMAI) has expressed disappointment over the state budget as it did not give due consideration to the Ayurveda Department.
The Association said that there were no directives in the budget to open any new ayurveda hospitals or dispensaries. In Kerala, there are over 250 panchayats without Ayurveda dispensaries.
While the rural population generally depend on ayurveda for treatment, steps should be initiated to set up ayurveda treatment centres. The AMAI demanded the immediate setting up of AYUSH department for the integrated development of ayurveda.
However the AMAI welcomed the move to start an Ayurveda University, Global Ayurveda Village, tax exemption to Ayurvedic medicines and the decision to cultivate vetiver among mangroves.