NRHM to promote Indian system of medicine: Gandhiselvan

BANGALORE : With Yoga
and naturopathy gaining
worldwide acceptance, the
Centre will promote Indian
Systems of Medicine (ISM),
including Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani, and therapies such
as Yoga and Naturopathy,
through the ambitious National
Rural Health Mission
(NHRM) to address the
health issues among all sections
of society.
Union minister of state
for health S Gandhiselvan,
Union minister of state for
health and family welfare
today said the union government
has decided to give
special impetus to Yoga and
Naturopathy so that the objectives
of NRHM are met
through the ISM. Yoga and
Naturopathy can prevent
and cure various forms of
ailments.
He said in the last three
decades, Yoga, in particular,
has become popular all over
the world as an effective disease
management strategy.
Speaking after inaugurating
the ‘Arogya Expo 2012’ on
the eve of the ‘International
Conference on Yoga and
Naturopathy’ (ICYN) here
he said NRHM was signifi -
cant for ISM, as it is capable
of meeting the objectives of
India’s health requirements.
The government intends
to introduce ISM at the primary
health centres and
community health centers
all over the country shortly.
Yoga and Naturopathy have
been accepted by for effective
disease management because
of their unique and holistic
healing approaches. It
is time we also took advantages
of the same by introducing
them through public
health system, the minister

added. Mr Gandhiselvan pointed
out that there were six Lakh
practitioners of ISM and
Homeopathy in the country.
However, the number was
still insuffi cient to address
the health issues plaguing
the country. ‘’The government
is evolving a broad
policy to promote ISM and
Ayush colleges. At present,
there are 488 Ayush colleges
in the nation. But the quality
of education is a concern.
We will make suitable suggestions
after consulting experts
in the fi eld to improve
the quality of education,’’
he explained. The fi ve-day
Arogya Expo 2012 will conclude
on February 9.