Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Housing & Urban Development, and Social Welfare, Ms. Asiea Naqash today, in a meeting of officers, reviewed the functioning of Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) run hospitals and dispensaries. Stressing on the need for taking effective preventive measures to tackle with communicable and non-communicable diseases prevalent in the state, the Minister asked the concerned to gear up to promote AYUSH and implement the ongoing schemes for the benefit of people at grass root level.The meeting was informed that AYUSH healthcare services are provided through a network of institutions which included one Ayurvedic Hospitals, 417 standalone ISM Dispensaries, 21 Homeopathic OPDs and 87 newly created dispensaries.The meeting was further informed that the department runs one OPD Unani hospital, 54 OPD ISM dispensaries on integrated arrangements basis, besides 3 private Medical Colleges functioning in the state with total intake capacity of 170 students per year.
The meeting was further informed that two government AYUSH medical colleges are also being established in the state with an estimated cost of Rs 58.30 crore.The meeting also discussed the present status of the implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and mechanism in place for prescription audit.The meeting also discussed number of units established for manufacturing the Ayurvedic products in the state and the amount spent on procurement of drugs separately under AYUSH, non-Plan and national health mission during last two years. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr. M K Bhandary, Director General ISM Dr Kabir, besides ADMOs of various Districts and other senior officials.