New Delhi, 22 July: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, has written to the defence minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, proposing the establishment of Ayush OPDs and the provision of Ayush-based treatment services across Military and Field Hospitals.

In his communication, Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the vital role played by the Armed Forces Medical Services in providing healthcare to the country's soldiers serving in diverse and often challenging operational environments. Shri Jadhav  noted that while the Armed Forces have a robust modern medical infrastructure, the integration of India's traditional systems of medicine can further strengthen preventive, promotive and holistic healthcare for defence personnel.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav observed that although Ayush treatment facilities are presently available in a limited number of institutions under the Ministry of Defence, a large number of Military and Field Hospitals do not yet have dedicated Ayush services. He suggested that expanding Ayush facilities across these hospitals would provide soldiers with greater access to evidence-based traditional healthcare, particularly in the areas of preventive healthcare, lifestyle management, rehabilitation and overall well-being.

Shri Jadhav emphasized that the inclusion of Ayush services would complement the existing healthcare framework and contribute to a more comprehensive and patient-centric model of care for Armed Forces personnel. He also noted that such an initiative would further promote the integration of India's rich traditional medical heritage with the country's public healthcare delivery systems.

The Minister has requested the Ministry of Defence to consider the proposal for establishing Ayush OPDs and treatment facilities in all Military and Field Hospitals. He has also conveyed that the Ministry of Ayush is fully prepared to extend all necessary technical support, professional guidance and institutional cooperation, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to facilitate the implementation of the initiative.

The proposed collaboration reflects the Government's continued commitment to promoting an integrative healthcare approach and ensuring that the benefits of India's traditional systems of medicine are made available to a wider section of society, including the nation's Armed Forces personnel.