Ayush Wellness Centres under National Ayush Mission

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres (AYUSH HWCs) in the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).

AYUSH HWC is a component of the Ayushman Bharat.

The National Health Policy 2017 advocated for mainstreaming the potential of AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa and Homoeopathy) within a pluralistic system of integrative healthcare.

In 2018, the Government of India decided that 1.5 lakh health & wellness Centres would be created by transforming existing sub-health centres and primary health centres to deliver comprehensive primary health care.

So, it was decided that the Ministry of AYUSH would operationalize 10% of the total sub-health centres as HWCs under Ayushman Bharat.

Cost and time:

Expenditure- ₹3399.35 Crore (with a ratio of almost 2:1 between the centre and the states respectively)

Time- Within a period of five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

AYUSH HWCs operating under NAM will have the following objectives:

To establish a holistic wellness model based on AYUSH principles and practices focusing on preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative healthcare by integration with the existing public health care system.

To provide informed choice to the public in need, by making the AYUSH services available.

To spread community awareness about lifestyle, yoga, medicinal plants and provision of medicines for selected conditions as per strength of AYUSH systems.

After consulting with the States/UTs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other ministries involved, the Ministry of AYUSH has proposed two models for operationalization of AYUSH HWCs:

Upgradation of existing AYUSH dispensaries.

Upgradation of existing Sub Health Centres (SHCs).

Benefits:

Enhanced accessibility to achieve universal health coverage for affordable treatment.

Reduced burden on secondary and tertiary health care facilities.

Reduced out of pocket expenditure due to self-care model.

Integration of AYUSH in implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as mandated by the NITI Aayog.

Validated holistic wellness model in target areas.