BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Health and Family Welfare Shripad Yesso Naik on Sunday said India has signed bilateral agreements with a number of countries to promote AYUSH on foreign soil and position itself as a leading country in research and practice of the medicine system.
Addressing the inaugural function of Arogya Mela, a national level health fair on Indian Systems of Medicines here, Naik said there is a strong case for integrating Indian Systems of Medicines with the modern medicine.
The Centre, he said, is making efforts to provide AYUSH a platform across the entire spectrum of healthcare institutions - from primary healthcare centres to national institutes such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
He also urged the Odisha Government to establish AYUSH administrative infrastructure at State, district and block levels.
Inaugurating the four-day fair, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said there has been a resurgence of interest in AYUSH system of medicines with an increase in the number of life-style disorders. The State Government, he said, has included Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy systems of medicine in the healthcare services. Synthesis of modern technology and the ancient scientific knowledge relating to medicinal plants can make India a leader in the field of bio-technology, he said.
“Revitalisation of local health tradition and integration of AYUSH with mainstream healthcare delivery system has an important role to play in developing an integrated system of healthcare to provide better service. Full advantage of bio-resources should be taken and research must be strengthened,” Naveen said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi also spoke on the occasion. The Arogya Mela will promote and showcase strengths and potential of Indian Systems of Medicines besides holding free Yoga demonstration and exhibitions. More than 100 stalls on various AYUSH drugs, herbal and food products and medicinal plants have been set up.