In a significant move towards bolstering healthcare infrastructure in India’s North-Eastern states, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has announced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery mechanisms and promoting holistic well-being among insured workers and their families.
Bhupender Yadav, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Act East, highlighted the need to augment the service delivery mechanism in the region. He emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible healthcare facilities for the people residing in the North-East, including the state of Sikkim.
One of the key measures announced by Yadav is the relaxation of existing norms for the establishment of dispensaries, medical infrastructure, and regional/sub-regional offices in the Northeastern states. This move is expected to streamline the process of setting up essential healthcare facilities, thereby improving accessibility and quality of healthcare services for the residents.
Furthermore, Bhupender Yadav unveiled the adoption of the AYUSH policy 2023 in ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) institutions. This policy focused on promoting holistic well-being, lays out a roadmap for the establishment of Panchakarma, Kshara Sutra, and AYUSH units in ESIC hospitals across the region.
The incorporation of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) practices into mainstream healthcare reflects the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services. By integrating traditional Indian medicinal practices with modern healthcare systems, the aim is to cater to diverse healthcare needs and promote overall wellness among the injured workers and their families.
The decision to adopt the AYUSH policy in ESIC institutions underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of alternative medicine in achieving holistic healthcare outcomes. It reflects a progressive approach toward healthcare, acknowledging the rich heritage of traditional Indian medicine and its potential to complement conventional medical practices.
Bhupender Yadav’s announcements signal a concerted effort by the government to address healthcare disparities and improve healthcare access in the Northeastern states. By relaxing norms for healthcare infrastructure establishment and integrating AYUSH practices into mainstream healthcare, the government aims to enhance the overall health and well-being of the residents in line with Prime Minister Modi’s Act East vision.
