Vijayawada: Minister of medical, health and family welfare Satya Kumar Yadav affirmed that the coalition government is committed to reviving and strengthening AYUSH practices in Andhra Pradesh.
He expressed his concerns about the previous government’s complete neglect of the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) healthcare sector.
Speaking at the second AYUSH summit for southern states held in Chennai on Monday, Satya Kumar announced that the AP government was drafting a new tourism policy aimed at attracting domestic and international tourists while promoting better health through AYUSH treatments. He emphasised the government’s continuous cooperation with the ministry of AYUSH at the central level to enhance wellness tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
During the summit, the Satya Kumar highlighted AP’s rich tourism potential, featuring attractions like the Mahānandi and Belum Caves and an extensive coastline of 960 kilometres, which is unique among southern states.
Satya Kumar said, “To further attract international tourists, AP is planning to establish a Global MediCity in partnership with the Government of Qatar under a public-private partnership model. This initiative will provide both modern medical facilities and AYUSH healthcare options, alongside recreational activities aimed at enhancing the tourist experience.”
Highlighting the previous government’s inadequacies, Satya Kumar pointed out that they only secured ₹38 crore under the National AYUSH Mission over five years, compared to the ₹83 crore he has already brought into the state from the Central government.
He is optimistic about the state securing ₹150 crore in the next State Annual Plan, which he said would facilitate the establishment of Ayurvedic hospitals across the state.
“Currently, Andhra Pradesh has 58 health wellness centrrs and 89 of 128 Ayushman health centres have obtained NABH accreditation, with efforts on to secure accreditation for the remaining centres. Each health centre is equipped with yoga instructors to promote holistic health practices”, the minister explained.
Satya Kumar said the government was taking steps to ensure every health centre provides comprehensive medical facilities under the AYUSH framework. He also announced that the AP government plans to expand health wellness centres at all tourist destinations and develop a portal to provide information about recognised hospitals and AYUSH facilities.
The AYUSH summit was attended by central AYUSH minister Pratap Rao Yadav along with health ministers and officials from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.