Imphal, November 27 2009: Manipur will have a 50-bedded "multi-speciality" AYUSH hospital and 10-bedded AYUSH wings in six more districts, said state Governor, Gurbachand Jagat.

The Governor was addressing a large gathering at the inaugural function of the AROGYA-2009-a four-day comprehensive Health Fair on Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace compound here.

The health fair was organised by the state Health Department under the sponsorship of the Department of AYUSH, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the objective of displaying the strength of AYUSH systems and the inevitable linkage with the ayush industry before the people of the state.

While informing that the state government has proposed setting up a 50-bedded multi-speciality hospital at the JN Institute of Medical Sciences, Porompat in Imphal East district to the Centre, Governor Gurbachan Jagat expressed satisfaction on having learnt that six more 10-bedded AYUSH wings are also coming up in different district hospitals.

The Governor further stressed the need for carrying out research on the traditional medicinal plants to understand their efficacy and exploitation, citing that people have started depending on natural medicinal plants.

Manipur has a strong traditional medicine system, both in the hills and plains.

Many of the recognised medicinal plants are used for treatment of various diseases.

Research needs to be carried out on the traditional medicinal plants to understand their efficacy and exploitation, the Governor observed.

Medicinal plants like Heirangoi (Amoora ruhetuca, Ok Heedak (Acorus calamus), Nongmangkha (Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis) Maiyokpha (Terminalia arjuna), E-heedak (Jatropha gossypiifolia, Manahei (Terminalia citrina), etc.

available in the state were recognised and used in treatment of various diseases.

He said, realising the importance of integrating traditional and herbal medicines with public and private healthcare, people have started depending on natural medicinal plants.

Natural supplements are also central in helping the body counter harmful effects of modern life style by enabling people to rediscover the enormous healing potential of nature, Governor Jagat pointed out.

In the context of the globe, an estimated six billion dollars per year are spent on pharmaceutical medicines derived from tropical plants.

Out of the 25 best-selling pharmaceutical drugs, 12 are derived from natural products, he added.

He also lauded the effort of the state government to upgrade AYUSH Cell of the state Health Services to a separate department.

The process is on, he said.

The Governor appealed to the people of the state to benefit themselves from this health fair and its various programmes and exhibits which include various medicinal plants.

State Chief Secretary, DS Poonia presided over the function.

Joint secretary, AYUSh, SK Pandha, Commissioner (Health and Family Welfare) Vamlhunmang and AS Chawla of ASSOCHAM attended as guests of honour at the function.

Many officials of the state Health Department were also present.

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