The Centre has given in-principle approval for setting up a unani and homeopathic college in Uttarakhand and promised all possible help to the State to promote commercial production of herbs, saying it had great potential in the sector.
Inaugurating an ‘Arogya Mela’ at the Parade Ground here, Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Shripad Yesso Naik said the Centre, in its new health policy, is attaching greater importance to ayush and other traditional systems of medicine and Uttarakhand clearly has a bright prospect as ayush has been an integral part of its culture.
“There is tremendous potential in the State in the field of herbal production. Considering growing inclination all over the world towards ayush, the Centre is going to redefine its role and scope in the new health policy. To achieve our goal in the health sector the potential of ayush will be harnessed on a larger scale.
“If the State government sends a proposal to set up a unani and homeopathic college in Uttarakhand, the Centre will give its approval. The Ayush Ministry will also give all possible help for production of herbs,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Harish Rawat highlighted steps taken by the State to promote ancient Indian systems of health and medicine.
“The state government has taken a big initiative to promote ayurveda and yoga. Half—a—dozen ayurveda hospitals have been opened whereas a number of yoga villages are being identified.
“A yoga mahakumbh will be organised on the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh next month as an additional and novel feature of the ongoing ardhkumbha mela,” Mr Rawat said, adding the State government wants Uttarakhand to be known all over the world for yoga.
Two international camps on yoga have been held in Jageshwar and Rishikesh.
“In the field of yoga we are working in partnership with Paramarth Niketan, a spiritual organisation based in Rishikesh. We are also trying to get permission from the forest department to create meditation centres under the shade of Deodar trees in Jageshwar.
“We are also exploring possibilities of building meditation cottages along the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh.
We can do a lot in the field of herbal farming but shall need a helping hand from the Centre in our endeavours,” Mr Rawat said.
He appealed to the Centre to release the remaining Rs 177 crore for a medical college in Almora.
Announcing that a site for a unani college has been identified near Kaliyar Sharief, he sought the Centre’s go—ahead for the project.
The Arogya Mela, organised by the Ayush Ministry, will continue till February 8.
