ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday described Ayurveda as more than a system of medicine, calling it a way of life that promotes balance among the body, mind and soul and helps people lead healthy, disease-free lives.
Greeting people on the occasion of Ayurveda Day, Majhi wrote on X: “Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine; it is a way of life that promotes balance among the body, mind and soul, helping us stay healthy and free from illness.
It is deeply intertwined with India’s culture and traditions.
Today, the world is embracing this invaluable contribution of India.” “On the occasion of Ayurveda Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone and wish all a healthy and disease-free life.
Let us embrace Ayurveda and, in harmony with nature, work toward building a healthier life and a more beautiful planet,” the CM said.
Meanwhile, Health and Fam ily Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the Odisha government was taking several measures to strengthen AYUSH healthcare infrastructure and improve the quality of services in the state.
Speaking at a programme organised at the Government Ayurvedic College in Bhubaneswar, Mahaling said more than 577 AYUSH projects worth over Rs 400 crore had been approved during 2024-25 and 2025-26. He said the establishment of a government Ayurvedic medical college and hospital at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district at a cost of Rs 85.78 crore was among the major initiatives.
Foundation stones have also been laid for a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital in Bhubaneswar and a 100-bed naturopathy hospital at Jatani, he said.
The government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 200 crore to set up three new government Ayurvedic medical colleges in Rayagada, Gajapati and Malkangiri, and two government homoeopathic medical colleges in Nuapada and Nayagarh, Mahaling said.
The minister said AYUSH services were becoming increasingly popular in the state and several steps had been taken to improve their quality.
“Housekeeping, sanitation, security and linen facilities have been strengthened in all government AYUSH medical colleges and 1,191 AYUSH dispensaries,” Mahaling said.
He added that Rs 21.47 crore was being spent to provide 16 types of free pathology tests at government Ayurveda and homoeopathic hospitals and ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential AYUSH medicines.
Panchakarma facilities have been introduced in some districts, while specialist consultations are being provided through e-Sanjeevani services at 50 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Besides, 422 Ayush man Arogya Mandirs have been strengthened, he said. The government has also taken measures to promote AYUSH education and human resource development, including enhancing stipends and faculty remuneration, increasing remuneration for more than 4,000 AYUSH doctors and providing skill-development training.
Health camps were organised at Kharavela Bhawan, Lok Seva Bhawan and Odisha Assembly as part of the Ayurveda Day observance.
A walkathon was also organised by the Government Ayurvedic College in Bhubaneswar.
