‘Heal in India, Healed by India’ Objective of Resurgent Movement of Ayush: Sarbananda Sonowal
GG News Bureau
Shillong, 24th Feb. Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated multiple projects for improving the capacity of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) at its campus in Mawdiangdiang.
The Ayush Minister inaugurated the Guest House and laid the foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects, including the Administrative Building, Pharmacy Building, and Boundary Wall with Periphery Road, complete with external electrification and entry & exit gates.
Addressing the gathering, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of scaling up capacity at NEIAH, highlighting the institute’s role in promoting traditional medicine with scientific evidence. He applauded NEIAH for training nearly one thousand experts in Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, significantly bolstering healthcare delivery in the region, particularly in Meghalaya.
The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to building NEIAH into a premier institution for Ayush education in the country. He revealed that the government had invested over ₹145 crores in the past year alone for capacity expansion at NEIAH, with a total project outlay of ₹217.02 crores.
Furthermore, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced the commencement of Peripheral OPD services at Smit, East Khasi Hills district, benefiting approximately 40,000 people residing in 20 villages. He also highlighted NEIAH’s initiatives, such as the Swarnabindu Prashan Sanskar, aimed at treating Iron Deficiency Anemia among tribal females through Ayurvedic solutions.
The Minister praised NEIAH for its interventions like Panchakarma, Ksharasutra, Uttarabasti, and Yoga, which have improved the quality of life for many patients. He expressed confidence that with more students trained in these techniques, including through specialized programs, the popularity and accessibility of Ayush medicine would continue to grow, providing profound healthcare benefits.
The virtual presence of Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development, Dr. Munjapara Mahendra, added to the significance of the occasion. Other dignitaries, including Secretary of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Vice Chancellor of Northeast Hill University (NEHU), Prof. PS Shukla, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Ayush, BK Singh, and Director of NEIAH, Prof. Neeta Maheskar, graced the event, reaffirming the collective commitment towards advancing Ayush education and healthcare in the region.
The launch of these projects marks a significant step towards strengthening Ayush infrastructure and promoting holistic healthcare in the northeastern region of India.
