Giving further boost to the up-gradation of infrastructural facilities in the AYUSH sector, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat has laid foundation stone of Rs.8.46 crore additional block in the premises of Ayurvedic Hospital here today.The proposed project, consisting of five-storey building (including stilted floor, upper ground floor plus three floors) with total plinth area of 17,360 sq. ft will be constructed in two phases. Under first phase, two floors will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.89 crore and under second phase which will comprise three floors will cost Rs. 4.57 crore. For taking up of first phase, an amount of Rs. 1.45 crore has been released to the Department of Roads and Buildings, which is the executing agency for the project.Local MLA, Rajesh Gupta, Secretary (Tech), Health & Medical Education and Director Indian System of Medicines (ISM), Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, prominent personalities, besides doctors of ISM and BAMS students were also present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is serious endeavor of the Government to promote AYUSH sector, which has a great potential and demand in Jammu and Kashmir. He said over the past two decades, the AYUSH has become very popular and patient flow increased manifold. The AYUSH being an ancient and traditional diagnostic system in India has its own importance and more and more people are reiterating their faith in this system which is quite safe and without any side effect. In Jammu and Kashmir, the facility of AYUSH consultation and treatment is available in every Allopathic Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges, besides its own network in almost every block of the state. The services in the rural health institutions are mostly run by the AYUSH doctors, said Bali Bhagat.
Referring to the beginning of Ayurvedic College in Jammu from the current academic year, the Minister said that in view of the growing demand and popularity of AYUSH, the Government was able to revive the Ayurvedic College in Jammu, which was abandoned almost four decades back by the then Government. With the earnest efforts of present State Government and Union Ministry of AYUSH, the first batch of 50 students has started its academic activities from the AYUSH hospital Jammu for the time being. The state-of-the-art college building at Akhnoor is at the final stage and from next academic year the activities will be shifted there. With the functioning of Ayurvedic College in Jammu, there will be great push to this vital sector and reach of the people will further enhance to this traditional treatment system, said the Minister.While taking brief on the architectural features of the proposed building from the engineers, the Minister stressed the need for meeting the basic needs of patients like ramps, comfortable wards with the sufficient natural light, washrooms, and toilets with provisions of both English and Indian seats. He directed the Director ISM, Dr. Abdul Kabir to get the existing design modified appropriately and ensure proper coordination with the executing agency for speedy completion of the project. He also directed for submitting DPR for the canteen and parking place in the premises.The Minister also had a round of some units of the hospital and enquired about the facilities available there. He called upon the doctors and para-medics to serve the patients with utmost dedication and missionary spirit. He also directed to maintain punctuality and proper sanitation in and around the hospital.MLA Rajesh Gupta thanked the Minister for paying focused attention to upgrade the services in the AYUSH Hospital and creating additional accommodation which was mandatory in view of the increased workload. He announced funds for purchase of an Ultra Sound machine for the Ayurvedic Hospital from his Constituency Funds.