SANKHALI, GOA — To mark the occasion of his birthday on April 24, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the state-wide “Health with Ayurveda” programme at a special health camp in Sankhali. The initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate of Health Services and the newly authorized AYUSH department, aims to integrate traditional Ayurvedic practices into the primary healthcare system across the state.
The launch comes on the heels of a landmark decision by the Goa State Cabinet to establish a standalone AYUSH Department. Previously functioning as a cell under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), the new dedicated department will now have the administrative autonomy to manage infrastructure, funding, and professional training for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
A Gift of Health on the CM’s Birthday
During the inaugural ceremony, CM Pramod Sawant, who is himself a trained Ayurvedic physician, expressed his deep commitment to promoting holistic wellness.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine but a way of life that focuses on “prevention over cure.” He noted that the state is working toward making Goa a global hub for Wellness Tourism, leveraging its natural beauty and the growing infrastructure of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Dhargal.
Key Features of the ‘Health with Ayurveda’ Programme
The new programme is designed to be highly accessible to the general public. Key highlights include:
- Constituency-Level Camps: Specialized Ayurvedic doctors will conduct weekly camps in every taluka to provide free consultations.
- Preventive Screenings: The programme focuses on lifestyle-related ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and joint disorders, offering non-surgical management through Ayurvedic therapies.
- Panchakarma Access: The government plans to expand Panchakarma facilities (detoxification treatments) to more Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across North and South Goa.
- Distribution of Ayurvedic Kits: As part of the launch, immunity-boosting kits and traditional medicines were distributed to senior citizens and students.
The Shift to a Dedicated AYUSH Department
The establishment of a separate AYUSH department is expected to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the state. By ending its reliance on the DHS, the AYUSH department will now be able to:
- Allocate Dedicated Funding: Ensure that budgets for traditional medicine are not diverted to other health emergencies.
- Professional Governance: Create a structured hierarchy of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic officers to oversee clinics and wellness centers.
- Modernize Infrastructure: Upgrade the existing 8 AYUSH Wellness Centres in Goa with modern diagnostic tools and better storage for herbal medicines.
Promoting ‘Viksit Goa’ through Traditional Knowledge
The event was attended by various local leaders and health officials who praised the Chief Minister’s vision of a “Healthy Goa.” Officials noted that the inclusion of 50% reservation for Goan students at the AIIA Goa facility is already bearing fruit, as local graduates are now being absorbed into these state-run health camps.
As the “Health with Ayurveda” programme rolls out across the state, the administration has urged citizens to move beyond reactive treatments and embrace the holistic protocols offered by the Ayush department. The Chief Minister concluded his address by reiterating that the goal is to create a “Swayampurna” (Self-Reliant) Goa in healthcare, where ancient wisdom meets modern delivery systems.
With this new initiative, Goa sets a precedent for other states in the seamless integration of traditional medicine into the mainstream public health framework.
