Total 13,86,136 Doctors in India Through National AYUSH Mission Initiative

As highlighted by recent data from the Union Health Ministry, the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt. Anupriya Patel, shared with the Lok Sabha that the nation boasts 13,86,136 registered allopathic doctors and 38.49 lakh registered nursing personnel. This increase in medical professionals signifies the government's ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services nationwide.

Key National AYUSH Mission Incentives and Improvements

According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), as of July 2024, India has 13,86,136 allopathic doctors registered with State Medical Councils and the NMC. When considering the availability of 80% of these registered doctors, along with approximately 5.65 lakh AYUSH doctors, India achieves a doctor-population ratio of 1:836, surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 1:1000. Despite the slight decline in the ratio from last year's 1:834, this metric remains an impressive achievement given the country's vast population.

Addressing Healthcare in Rural Areas with AYUSH Centres

Parliament member Shri Brijmohan Agrawal raised pertinent questions regarding the adequacy of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. MoS Patel responded by highlighting the government's multifaceted approach to improving healthcare accessibility and quality. This includes increasing the number of medical colleges and subsequently expanding MBBS and postgraduate seats.

Expansion of Medical Education

The government has made significant strides in medical education:

• Medical Colleges: An 88% increase, from 387 before 2014 to 731 in 2024
• MBBS Seats: A 118% increase, from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,12,112
• PG Seats: A 133% increase, from 31,185 before 2014 to 72,627
  
  

Several government initiatives are driving these expansions. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for establishing new medical colleges by upgrading district/referral hospitals has led to the functionality of 109 new medical colleges out of 157 approved, including five in Chhattisgarh.

Enhancing Medical Infrastructure

Additional measures to bolster the healthcare infrastructure include:

• Strengthening State and Central Government Medical Colleges: Increasing MBBS and PG seats.
  
  
• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Under this scheme, 75 projects have been approved to upgrade Government Medical Colleges by constructing Super Specialty Blocks, with 66 projects already completed.
  
  
• New AIIMS: The approval of 22 new AIIMS, with undergraduate courses starting in 19 of these institutions.
  
  
• DNB Qualification: Recognized for faculty appointments to address shortages.
  
  
• Extension of Faculty Age Limits: Enhanced age limit for appointment, extension, or re-employment of teachers, deans, principals, and directors in medical colleges up to 70 years.
  
  

AYUSH and the National AYUSH Mission

The focus on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and the National AYUSH Mission continues to be a priority. With the substantial presence of AYUSH practitioners contributing to the doctor-population ratio, these traditional systems of medicine are integral to India's healthcare framework.

Strengthening Nursing Education

In the 2023-24 budget, the government announced the establishment of 157 nursing colleges, including five in Chhattisgarh. This move is aimed at addressing the shortage of nursing personnel and enhancing healthcare delivery.

Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM)

Under the National Health Mission, Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) centers play a crucial role in providing comprehensive primary healthcare. As of June 30, 2024, 1,73,410 AAM centers have been operationalized in rural and urban areas, offering a wide range of services, including reproductive and child healthcare, management of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and other health issues.

India's healthcare sector is undergoing transformative changes, with significant increases in the number of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, and healthcare facilities. The integration of AYUSH and the National AYUSH Mission further enriches the healthcare landscape, ensuring a holistic approach to health and wellness. These efforts are paving the way for a healthier nation, addressing both current challenges and future needs.

By focusing on expanding medical education, enhancing infrastructure, and integrating traditional medicine systems like AYUSH, India is making remarkable progress in its healthcare journey. The government's initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for all citizens, especially in underserved rural areas.

 

National AYUSH Mission: Integrating Traditional and Modern Healthcare for Holistic Well-being

The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) envisions promoting and integrating AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) medical systems into mainstream healthcare. Launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, NAM aims to increase the number of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries, operationalize AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers, and upgrade 12,500 Health and Sub-health Centers for comprehensive healthcare at the grassroots level.


The mission seeks to mainstream AYUSH systems through the co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs), ensuring the availability of AYUSH drugs and trained professionals at all health centers.

In July 2021, the Union Cabinet approved a financial allocation of INR 4607.3 crore (INR 3000 crore as Central Share and INR 1607.3 crore as State Share) for the National AYUSH Mission. This approval includes the implementation of 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers under the AYUSHMAN BHARAT initiative, aiming to enhance the reach and efficacy of AYUSH services.

The Vision of the National AYUSH Mission

According to a recent WHO report, alternative medical systems are preferred by 80% of the global population. The Ministry of AYUSH aims to merge traditional healthcare treatments with modern medical practices, and the National AYUSH Mission is a crucial step in that direction. NAM focuses on improving AYUSH education by developing existing institutions, establishing new colleges, and generating holistic wellness models rooted in AYUSH practices.

Key Activities and Programs Under National Ayush Mission

To actualize its vision, NAM has approved State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) for 2022-23, building upon past experiences and tailoring need-assessment schemes. This has resulted in extensive coverage of AYUSH services across all 35 states and union territories. Key programs under the National AYUSH Mission include:

• National Program for Prevention and Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Creating awareness, improving screening, and applying AYUSH interventions for complete treatment.
  
  
• Integration with National Programs for Non-Communicable Diseases: Establishing AYUSH facilities in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at District NCD Centers and Community Health Centers.
  
  
• SUPRAJA (AYUSH Maternal & Neo-natal Intervention): Strengthening maternal and neonatal interventions through AYUSH teaching hospitals.
  
  
• VAYO MITRA (AYUSH Geriatric Healthcare Services): Focusing on better lifestyle options for older people.
  
  
• AYURVIDYA: An educational program incorporating AYUSH systems into 75,000 schools nationwide.
  
  
• AYUSH Mobile Medical Units: Providing healthcare in remote areas using mobile units equipped with AYUSH systems.
  
  
• KARUNYA (AYUSH Palliative Services): Improving the quality of life for patients under palliative care.
  
  
• Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) of Lymphatic Filariasis: Managing and preventing lymphoedema through AYUSH interventions.
  
  
  

Progress and Impact of the National AYUSH Mission

The Ministry of AYUSH has significantly propagated the AYUSH systems of medicine, treating 27% of all patients in the country. Through grant-aids, there has been a growing co-location of AYUSH facilities in Primary and Community Health Centers and District Hospitals. The documented growth of OPD and IPD patients from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, illustrates the increasing reliance on AYUSH treatments.

The National AYUSH Mission also focuses on upgrading existing AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries and developing State Government Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Educational institutions. The integration of AYUSH systems within an expanded Integrated healthcare system is supported by the National Health Policy (NHP 2017), overseen by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Achievements and Future Goals

The government of India has authorized the implementation of 12,500 Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) by 2023-24. As of 2022-23, 12,300 HWCs received approval, with 9,108 units receiving grant aid. Data from State and UT Governments show that 5,409 AYUSH HWCs are progressively functional, with 6,782 units operational based on three criteria.

 

In addition to virtual and hybrid review meetings, a regional-level review meeting was held on November 30, 2022, to evaluate National AYUSH Mission activities for Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The review committee also conducted field visits in several states, including Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

The National AYUSH Mission aims to empower AYUSH offerings through better availability of medicines and a well-trained workforce, reducing communicable and non-communicable diseases through targeted health programs.

The National AYUSH Mission is a visionary initiative to integrate traditional AYUSH systems with modern healthcare, providing holistic well-being to the population. Through its comprehensive programs and activities, NAM is making significant strides in improving healthcare accessibility and quality across India.


Also Read: CENTAC NEET UG Application Form 2024 (Extended) - Last Date On August 8