State to have 15 Ayush dispensaries, seven hospitals
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2021: Union minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday announced setting up of 15 Ayush dispensaries and seven 10-bedded Ayush hospitals in the state under his ministry.

The union minister who wason his two-day visit in the state, made the announcement at a press conference held at JMA Hall Lamphelpat where a function to promote the documentation, scientific validation and evaluation of traditional healthcare practices of northeast region of the country was also held.

Sonowal told newspersons that herbal gardens in 100 schools, one nursery each in 16 districts to produce quality planting materials and 15 health and wellness centres would be also be established in the state.

Informing that the projects have been envisioned for the people of Manipur, he expressed hope of successful completion of the projects with the cooperation of the people.

After the completion of implementation of these projects, his ministry is looking forward to take up more projects for the development of Ayush in the state, said the minister and added that Ayush industry Will take a very important role in future development of the state and its entrepreneurship.

Not only this, the initiatives will also provide an avenue for generation of employment and social income, he noted.

Sonowal observed that Manipur and other northeast states have a lot of potential for development of Ayush as the region has bountiful medicinal plants.

The traditional healing of the region is also well known.

Considering the availability of the resources in the region, the central government is giving priority in the region's development in all the sectors.

"Northeast region is fast developing under the initiative of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In Manipur too, development pace is accelerating fast under chief minister N Biren Singh with the guidance of central leaders," he remarked.

Sonowal also mentioned the improved law and order situation in the state and that peace has been restored after so long and how developed state had become in the last nearly five years.

"Prime Minister knows that northeast is the future of the country.

So, he is giving a lot of emphasis in speeding up the development paces of the region," he asserted.

Earlier, the union minister addressed a function for presentation of phyto-pharmaceuticals mission to promote the documentation, scientific validation and evaluation of traditional healthcare practices of NE held IMA Hall.

He said that northeast states including Manipur have high potential of becoming the organic hub of the country.

In his address, union minister of state for education and external affairs Dr RK Ranjan Singh highlighted the values of the medicinal plants available in the state and drew the attention of the union Ayush minister in the exploration of these plants.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister N Biren stressed the need for scientific and systematic exploration of medicinal plants available in the state.

He also expressed his apprehension of vanishing traditional ways of healing illness, while stating that steps have been initiated to revive the same.

He also highlighted the initiatives taken up by the state government for health for all in the state.

It may be mentioned that on the first day of his visit, Sonowal visited Loktak Lake to take stock of the lake's conservation and rejuvenation works being taken up by the state government under various central sponsored schemes.

Before concluding his visit, he also inspected Ayush hospital at Konjeng Leikai in Imphal West district.

Sonowal and Biren also inaugurated a 50-bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital in Moreh through video conferencing.

Dr RK Ranjan Singh, advisor to Chief Minister (Health) Dr S Ranjan Singh and Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) V Vumlunmang also attended the function.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the need for formulating a scientific plan to systematically grow indigenous medical plants for large scale production.

He also mentioned the need to explore the skills and knowledge of traditional healers like Maibas and Maibis in a more scientific manner.

For this, Biren said, he would convene a joint deliberation of the scientists and officials of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Directorate of AYUSH soon.

The Chief Minister opined that the outcome of the deliberation would be useful in seeking assistance from the Centre in the promotion of AYUSH in the State as well.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the staff of the Directorate of AYUSH for their contribution in combating COVID-19 pandemic.

He observed that the virus is now almost overcome in the State with joint efforts from different sections.

However, he also cautioned the public to be careful as a new variant known as Omicron has started spreading in different countries, and some cases had been detected in India as well.

The CM said that screening of passengers has already begun at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in this regard.

He also said that Jiribam would be rewarded for becoming the district of the state which has achieved 100 per first dose cent vaccination.

Meanwhile, appreciating CM Biren for introducing Chief Minister-gi Hakshel-gi Tengbang (CMHT) for the needy people, Sonowal said that it is the right example of service to humanity by the state government under Biren's leadership.

He also congratulated the state government for successful implementation of CM's Health for All scheme.

The Union Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi always says that he is not a Pradhan Mantri, but a Pradhan Sevak.

The Government of Manipur is working in sync with the PM's philosophy, he said.

Stating that Manipur is known for women empowerment, Sonowal urged the womenfolk to contribute in promoting AYUSH.

He also stressed the need to integrate AYUSH and traditional methods to enhance the healthcare system of the country and vowed to extend full support to the state government in the AYUSH sector.

IBSD director Prof Alok K Mukherjee made apresentation on the Phytopharmaceutical mission on the occasion.

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