Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: The state cabinet on Friday granted approval for the creation of a separate department of Ayush, which is currently under the directorate of health services.Govt of India established a separate ministry of Ayush in Nov 2014 for promotion and development of traditional systems of medicine, including ayurveda, yoga & naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy.In Goa, Ayush-related programmes are presently administered under the directorate of health services (DHS) through an Ayush cell headed by the deputy director (Ayush).Over the past few years, Ayush infrastructure and services in the state expanded significantly.Ayurvedic and homoeopathic dispensaries are functioning in primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), urban health centres (UHCs), sub-district hospitals (SDHs) and district hospitals. Ayush physicians conduct OPDs, provide medicines, therapeutic procedures and lifestyle advice to patients.Eight Ayush Wellness Centres are operational in the state, conducting yoga demonstrations and Panchakarma therapies such as janu basti, kati basti, rakta mokshan and agni karma.
