Government Expands AYUSH Institutes and Hospitals Across India Under National AYUSH Mission

The Government of India is expanding the country's AYUSH infrastructure through the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) by establishing new educational institutions, hospitals and dispensaries. The initiative aims to improve access to affordable traditional healthcare, strengthen preventive medicine and promote the growth of India's indigenous systems of medicine.

Government Expands AYUSH Institutes and Hospitals to Strengthen Traditional Healthcare Across India

Centre Strengthens India's AYUSH Ecosystem

The Government of India is taking significant steps to strengthen the country's traditional healthcare system by expanding AYUSH institutions and healthcare facilities under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in collaboration with State Governments and Union Territories, the mission focuses on improving access to quality healthcare based on India's traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).

The expansion of educational institutions, hospitals and dispensaries is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility while supporting preventive medicine, medical education and research. Through this initiative, the government aims to create a robust AYUSH ecosystem capable of serving both urban and rural populations.

National AYUSH Mission: A Comprehensive Healthcare Initiative

The National AYUSH Mission serves as the government's flagship programme for promoting and strengthening traditional systems of medicine across the country.

The scheme provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories for establishing new healthcare facilities, upgrading existing institutions and expanding educational infrastructure. By working closely with state governments, the mission ensures that healthcare development is aligned with regional requirements and local healthcare needs.

The programme also complements India's broader objective of integrating traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare system.

New AYUSH Colleges to Improve Medical Education

One of the major priorities under the National AYUSH Mission is expanding educational infrastructure.

The government provides financial support for establishing new AYUSH colleges in states where teaching institutions are insufficient. Increasing the number of colleges will help produce more qualified AYUSH practitioners while strengthening research, education and professional training in traditional medicine.

The expansion is expected to improve the availability of skilled healthcare professionals and meet the growing demand for AYUSH services across the country.

Integrated AYUSH Hospitals Being Developed

To improve healthcare accessibility, the government is supporting the establishment of integrated AYUSH hospitals across different regions.

Financial assistance is available for setting up:

• 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals

• 30-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals

• 10-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals

These hospitals are designed to provide comprehensive traditional healthcare services supported by modern infrastructure, enabling patients to access preventive, promotive and therapeutic treatments under one roof.

The integrated model also encourages greater acceptance of AYUSH therapies within India's healthcare system.

Upgrading Existing Hospitals and Dispensaries

Apart from establishing new institutions, the mission focuses on modernising existing government healthcare facilities.

Financial assistance is provided for:

• Upgrading standalone government AYUSH hospitals.

• Strengthening existing AYUSH dispensaries.

• Improving medical equipment and infrastructure.

• Expanding healthcare services.

Modernisation efforts are expected to improve patient care, increase operational efficiency and ensure better healthcare delivery.

Expanding Healthcare Services in Underserved Areas

The National AYUSH Mission places special emphasis on improving healthcare access in underserved and remote regions.

State governments receive financial assistance to establish new AYUSH dispensaries in areas where traditional healthcare services remain limited.

These new facilities are expected to provide affordable healthcare options closer to local communities, reducing travel time while improving access to preventive and primary healthcare services.

The initiative also supports balanced healthcare development across different geographical regions.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Strengthening Primary Healthcare

Another important component of the programme is the operationalisation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AYUSH).

These centres aim to strengthen community-level healthcare by promoting wellness, disease prevention and early intervention through traditional medicine.

By integrating AYUSH services into primary healthcare delivery, the government seeks to encourage healthier lifestyles while reducing the burden of chronic diseases through preventive care.

State Governments Play a Key Role

The implementation of the National AYUSH Mission follows a collaborative Centre-State partnership model. States and Union Territories can access financial assistance by submitting proposals through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs).

This flexible planning mechanism enables each state to prioritise healthcare projects based on regional requirements, population needs and existing healthcare infrastructure.

The collaborative approach ensures efficient utilisation of funds while encouraging locally driven healthcare development.

Significant Investment in AYUSH Infrastructure

The Government has made substantial financial investments to strengthen AYUSH infrastructure over the past decade.

Between FY2015 and FY2026, financial assistance amounting to ₹64,069.92 crore was released under the National AYUSH Mission to support approved projects across States and Union Territories.

This investment has helped expand healthcare infrastructure, improve educational institutions and strengthen traditional healthcare delivery nationwide.

The continued allocation of funds demonstrates the government's long-term commitment to promoting India's indigenous medical systems.

States Receiving the Highest Funding

Several states have received significant financial assistance under the National AYUSH Mission.

Among them:

• Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation.

• Rajasthan emerged as the second-largest beneficiary.

• Madhya Pradesh ranked third in terms of financial support.

These investments are helping states strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand educational institutions and improve access to AYUSH services for their populations.

Benefits for Healthcare and Employment

The continued expansion of AYUSH infrastructure is expected to deliver multiple socio-economic benefits.

These include:

• Improved access to affordable healthcare.

• Greater availability of preventive medical services.

• Enhanced medical education and research.

• Increased employment opportunities for healthcare professionals.

• Stronger rural healthcare infrastructure.

• Promotion of wellness and holistic healthcare.

The programme also supports entrepreneurship in the AYUSH sector through the growth of hospitals, clinics, educational institutions and wellness centres.

Strengthening India's Global Leadership in Traditional Medicine

India has long been recognised as the birthplace of several traditional systems of medicine.

By expanding AYUSH institutions and investing in healthcare infrastructure, the government aims to further strengthen India's global leadership in traditional healthcare.

Growing international interest in holistic wellness, herbal medicine, yoga and preventive healthcare presents significant opportunities for India to emerge as a global hub for AYUSH education, treatment and research.

The National AYUSH Mission plays an important role in supporting this long-term vision.

Conclusion

The Government's continued expansion of AYUSH institutes, hospitals and healthcare infrastructure under the National AYUSH Mission reflects a strong commitment to promoting accessible, affordable and holistic healthcare across India. Through close collaboration with State Governments and Union Territories, the initiative is strengthening medical education, expanding healthcare services and improving preventive care. As more institutions become operational, the mission is expected to enhance public health outcomes, generate employment opportunities and reinforce India's position as a global leader in traditional systems of medicine.