 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a review meeting to take stock of the progress achieved under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), with emphasis on service delivery, infrastructure creation and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening Ayush-based healthcare across the districts of J&K.
Those who attended includes Secretary, H&ME; Principal, GMC Srinagar; Commissioner, FDA; Director, Health Kashmir/Jammu; Director, Ayush and other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was informed that all 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush) across the UT have been fully operationalized since 31st March 2025. These centres are providing a wide range of Ayush wellness interventions and patient care services based on Ayush principles and practices.
Reviewing the status of infrastructure development, it was apprised that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Chawalgam, Kulgam, has been completed and made fully operational. The hospital recorded an OPD footfall of 12,852 patients during 2024-25 and 5,546 patients during 2025-26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 105 lakh has been approved under SAAP 2025-26 for completion of allied works, including landscaping, herbal garden development and other facilities, besides manpower support.
The meeting was further informed that the 50-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Billawar, Kathua, has achieved around 80 percent physical progress, with finishing works such as tiling and aluminum works underway. An allocation of Rs 70 lakh has been approved for construction of the boundary wall, and the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.
Similarly, the 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital at Gadhi Garh, Jammu, has been made operational in the building of Sub-Centre Lower Gadhi Garh. OPD services at the facility have catered to 7,609 patients during 2024-25 and 4,713 patients during 2025-26 up to December 2025. An amount of Rs 122.50 lakh has been approved for construction of an additional block and engagement of manpower.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of Ayush Public Health Programmes, and it was reported that targets have been exceeded in several areas. Under the National Programme for Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders, 62 units have been operationalized, with 59,628 people screened and 48,576 patients provided Ayush treatment.
Highlighting the performance the Director, Ayush, Dr Suresh Sharma apprised the meeting that under SUPRAJA, focusing on maternal and neonatal health, 33 units have been made functional, while 40 units each have been operationalized under AYURVIDYA for school health and KARUNYA for palliative care.
He further divulged that the VAYO MITRA programme for geriatric healthcare is being implemented through 22 units, benefiting thousands of senior citizens. He added that the Mobile Medical Units and NPCDCS components are also expanding Ayush outreach to remote and underserved areas.
The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of Ayush wellness interventions delivered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. It was given out that during 2024-25 and 2025-26, lakhs of beneficiaries were reached through yoga sessions, OPD consultations, distribution of medicines, non-communicable disease screening, Prakriti Parikshan, and community awareness initiatives, reflecting the growing acceptance of Ayush services among the public. |
