Centre Proposes Expansion of Ayush Services Across Military Hospitals to Strengthen Holistic Defence Healthcare
The Centre has proposed expanding Ayush services across all military and field hospitals by establishing dedicated outpatient departments and integrating traditional healthcare systems with existing defence medical services. The initiative aims to strengthen preventive care, rehabilitation, lifestyle management and overall well-being of armed forces personnel.
In a letter addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative would complement the Armed Forces Medical Services by strengthening preventive, promotive and rehabilitative healthcare for soldiers serving in diverse and challenging operational environments.
Jadhav stated that while Ayush treatment facilities are already available in a limited number of institutions under the Ministry of Defence, a significant number of military and field hospitals currently do not have dedicated Ayush services. He said expanding these facilities would improve access to evidence-based traditional healthcare, particularly in preventive care, lifestyle management, rehabilitation and overall well-being.
The proposal aims to integrate Ayush systems with the existing healthcare framework rather than replace conventional medical services. According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to create a more comprehensive and patient-centred healthcare model by combining modern medicine with traditional systems wherever appropriate.
Jadhav urged the Defence Ministry to establish Ayush outpatient departments and treatment facilities in all military and field hospitals. He said the Ayush Ministry was prepared to provide technical support, professional guidance and institutional cooperation, including signing a memorandum of understanding for implementation.
If approved, the proposal would significantly expand Ayush services within the armed forces, supporting the government's efforts to integrate traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare and improve access to holistic healthcare for defence personnel.

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