CS favours expanding Ayush footprints with new Services, Colleges and hospitals across J&K

JAMMU : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Saturday chaired a review meeting to take stock of the progress achieved under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), with emphasis on service delivery, infrastructure creation and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening Ayush-based healthcare across the districts of J&K.
Those who attended includes Secretary, H&ME; Principal, GMC Srinagar; Commissioner, FDA; Director, Health Kashmir/Jammu; Director, Ayush and other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was informed that all 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush) across the UT have been fully operationalized since 31st March 2025. These centres are providing a wide range of Ayush wellness interventions and patient care services based on Ayush principles and practices.
Reviewing the status of infrastructure development, it was apprised that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Chawalgam, Kulgam, has been completed and made fully operational. The hospital recorded an OPD footfall of 12,852 patients during 2024–25 and 5,546 patients during 2025–26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 105 lakh has been approved under SAAP 2025–26 for completion of allied works, including landscaping, herbal garden development and other facilities, besides manpower support.
The meeting was further informed that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Billawar, Kathua, has achieved around 80 percent physical progress, with finishing works such as tiling and aluminum works underway. An allocation of Rs 70 lakh has been approved for construction of the boundary wall, and the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Similarly, the 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Gadhi Garh, Jammu, has been made operational in the building of Sub-Centre Lower Gadhi Garh. OPD services at the facility have catered to 7,609 patients during 2024–25 and 4,713 patients during 2025–26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 122.50 lakh has been approved for construction of an additional block and engagement of manpower.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of Ayush Public Health Programmes, and it was reported that targets have been exceeded in several areas. Under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders, 62 units have been operationalized, with 59,628 people screened and 48,576 patients provided Ayush treatment.
Highlighting the performance the Director, Ayush, Dr Suresh Sharma apprised the meeting that under SUPRAJA, focusing on maternal and neonatal health, 33 units have been made functional, while 40 units each have been operationalized under AYURVIDYA for school health and KARUNYA for palliative care.
He further divulged that the VAYO MITRA programme for geriatric healthcare is being implemented through 22 units, benefiting thousands of senior citizens. He added that the Mobile Medical Units and NPCDCS components are also expanding Ayush outreach to remote and underserved areas.
The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of Ayush wellness interventions delivered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. It was given out that during 2024–25 and 2025–26, lakhs of beneficiaries were reached through yoga sessions, OPD consultations, distribution of medicines, non-communicable disease screening, Prakriti Parikshan, and community awareness initiatives, reflecting the growing acceptance of Ayush services among the public.
On financial progress, it was informed that during 2024–25, an expenditure of over 71 percent was achieved under NAM. For 2025–26, funds amounting to Rs 37.31 Cr have been on-boarded through SNA-SPARSH, with significant releases already made to implementing agencies. Overall expenditure of over 80 percent is expected to be achieved by the end of March 2026.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed progress in Ayush educational institutions, including Government Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathic Medical Colleges. Academic activities, infrastructure strengthening, creation of teaching and non-teaching posts and approvals for new courses were discussed as part of the efforts to strengthen human resource capacity in Ayush systems.
Measures undertaken to enhance the visibility of Ayush in the UT were also highlighted. Large-scale IEC and BCC campaigns have been conducted across the districts of the UT, covering lakhs of beneficiaries through themes such as Har Ghar Ayush, Yoga and Meditation, Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, Anemia Mukt Bharat, Poshan Abhiyan, Millets awareness and observance of Ayurveda Day. Digital and social media outreach, along with regular TV and radio interactions, have further amplified public engagement, the meeting was informed.
Discussing future plans, the meeting outlined proposals for establishment of Government Homeopathic Medical College at Kathua, setting up of 10/30/50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals in remaining districts, establishment of a Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Baramulla, strengthening of Ayush public health programmes in all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and operationalization of tele-consultation services through e-Sanjeevani.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized timely completion of all ongoing projects, effective utilization of funds and further integration of Ayush services with the mainstream healthcare system. He reiterated that Ayush has a vital role in preventive, promotive and holistic healthcare, and directed the concerned to sustain momentum for ensuring accessible, affordable and people-centric Ayush healthcare services across the length and breadth of J&K.