New Delhi (Agency): Himachal Pradesh is set to usher in a health revolution with the announcement from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of plans to establish 250 Ayush wellness centers and 500 herbal gardens across the state. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the Ayurvedic healthcare system, is expected to provide both medicinal and economic benefits.
The new wellness centers and herbal gardens will not only contribute to the production of high-quality herbal remedies but will also add a unique feature to the tourist attractions of the region. “These herbal gardens will not only produce quality herbal medicines but also emerge as an added attraction to the tourists visiting the state,” Sukhu stated.
In collaboration with the departments of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Education, and Forest, these wellness centers and gardens are set to be established in diverse regions of the state during the current financial year. Sukhu expressed confidence that the initiative will facilitate citizens in reaping the benefits of ancient Indian medical science – Ayurveda.
The Chief Minister highlighted the underutilized potential of Ayush therapies, which include Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. “Ayush can boost mental health in a much more holistic manner than the modern health system,” he asserted, advocating for its increased use in preventing diseases, treating subclinical conditions, and managing chronic ailments. This approach, Sukhu believes, can significantly enhance the healthcare system by introducing a holistic, affordable alternative.
Furthermore, the state government’s initiative will encourage farmers under the ‘National AYUSH Mission’ to form clusters of medicinal plants. This scheme offers farmers a valuable opportunity to diversify their crop cultivation and supplement their income, thus strengthening the state’s rural economy.
Himachal Pradesh’s natural environment is uniquely suited for cultivating a wide range of medicinal plants and crops. By tapping into this potential, the initiative is set to provide far-reaching benefits to both the healthcare and agricultural sectors.
Sukhu contrasted the accessibility and affordability of Ayurvedic healthcare with the costly, professionalized modern healthcare facilities, which often come with a range of side effects and are typically out of reach for the less affluent. “The Ayurvedic system provides healthcare, which is within the physical and financial reach of rural India,” Sukhu concluded, reinforcing his government’s commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for the state’s inhabitants.