AYUSH Expo to Promote Nature's Best for Well Being

The Indian medical systems are given a push by the state government to boost medical tourism.

An AYUSH expo was organised by the state AYUSH Department and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry to promote the use of nature at its best for overall well being.

Various AYUSH products are available for sale at the exhibition, and visitors can get a free medical check-up as well.

U.T. Khader, Health Minister said, "The state has already allocated 100 crore for this sector, and is seeking additional funds from the Centre to strengthen AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). I have appealed to the Union Health Ministry to hold an international AYUSH expo in the state".

Naik said there are about 515 AYUSH institutions in the country where at least 27,000 students enrol every year. Even foreign students are keen to take up the course, he added.

AYUSH facilities are available from Primary Health Centres to AIIMS. "Our aim is to use AYUSH in primary health care and implement it in national health schemes to prevent and control non-communicable diseases," Naik said.

The minister said that India will sign MoUs on bilateral ties with other countries to set up Indian alternative medicine centres. So far, Hungary, Bangladesh and Nepal have signed MoUs.

Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, said a survey conducted by Kerala's sports ministry found that of 100 students in a school, only one is physically fit. This can be addressed through AYUSH, and added that since India is becoming the diabetes capital of the world, AYUSH is the only way to good health.

Over 150 stalls have opened at the expo. Products such as honey, amla juice and over-the-counter drugs are being sold.

Simple yoga asanas for various ailments are also taught by experts at the stall put up by the Central Council for Research in Yoga.

Source: Medindia