Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22: The Centre in collaboration with state governments would soon come up with a new National Health Policy with special emphasis on ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy (Ayush) system, said Shripad Naik Union minister of state for Ayush, during the inauguration of the National Arogya Mela 2015 here.
“There can be a revolutionary change in the current healthcare system of the country if the Ayush system is integrated into the main healthcare system,” said Naik.
There has been a resurgence of interest in the Ayush system of medicine with an increase in the number of lifestyle disorders, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating the fair.
The state government has included ayurveda, unani and homoeopathy systems of medicine in the healthcare services of the state.
“Revitalisation of the local health tradition and integration of Ayush with mainstream healthcare delivery system has an important role to play in developing an integrated system of healthcare to provide better and accessible healthcare service to all. We should take full advantage of our resources and strengthen research on it,” said Patnaik.
“The Arogya fair is an important promotional activity to create public awareness by showcasing the strength, efficacy and wide range of remedies and practices that traditional systems of medicine such as ayurveda, homoeopathy, yoga, naturopathy, unani and siddha have offered through the healthcare delivery system,” said the chief minister.
Describing Bhubaneswar as a rapidly growing city in the country, Naik said the city has a 3,000-year old history of close links with traditional systems of health care and Ayush has a good future here.
Ayurveda, the principal system of Indian medicine, which dates back to about 5000 BC, is not only a scientific system but represents a healthy way of life, the Chief Minister said, adding these systems continue to cater to healthcare services to a large number of people both in rural and urban areas of the state.
The use of herbs to treat diseases is almost universal among societies and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive modern pharmaceuticals, Patnaik said.
The traditional treatment system of our tribal people should also be acknowledged. The World Health Organisation estimates that 80 per cent of the population of some Asian and African countries presently uses herbal medicine for some aspects of primary health care, the Chief Minister said.