Says Govt keen to promote
AYUSH sector as patient flow increased manifold
JAMMU, DECEMBER
02: Giving further boost to the up-gradation of infrastructural facilities in
the AYUSH sector, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat has
laid foundation stone of Rs.8.46 crore additional block in the premises of
Ayurvedic Hospital here today.
The proposed
project, consisting of five-storey building (including stilted floor, upper
ground floor plus three floors) with total plinth area of 17,360 sq. ft will be
constructed in two phases. Under first phase, two floors will be constructed at
an estimated cost of Rs. 3.89 crore and under second phase which will comprise
three floors will cost Rs. 4.57 crore. For taking up of first phase, an amount
of Rs. 1.45 crore has been released to the Department of Roads and Buildings,
which is the executing agency for the project.
Local MLA,
Rajesh Gupta, Secretary (Tech), Health & Medical Education and Director
Indian System of Medicines (ISM), Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, prominent personalities,
besides doctors of ISM and BAMS students were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the
occasion, the Minister said that it is serious endeavor of the Government to
promote AYUSH sector, which has a great potential and demand in Jammu and
Kashmir. He said over the past two decades, the AYUSH has become very popular
and patient flow increased manifold. The AYUSH being an ancient and traditional
diagnostic system in India has its own importance and more and more people are
reiterating their faith in this system which is quite safe and without any side
effect. In Jammu and Kashmir, the facility of AYUSH consultation and treatment
is available in every Allopathic Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges,
besides its own network in almost every block of the state. The services in the
rural health institutions are mostly run by the AYUSH doctors, said Bali
Bhagat.
Referring to the
beginning of Ayurvedic College in Jammu from the current academic year, the
Minister said that in view of the growing demand and popularity of AYUSH, the
Government was able to revive the Ayurvedic College in Jammu, which was
abandoned almost four decades back by the then Government. With the earnest
efforts of present State Government and Union Ministry of AYUSH, the first
batch of 50 students has started its academic activities from the AYUSH
hospital Jammu for the time being. The state-of-the-art college building at
Akhnoor is at the final stage and from next academic year the activities will
be shifted there. With the functioning of Ayurvedic College in Jammu, there
will be great push to this vital sector and reach of the people will further
enhance to this traditional treatment system, said the Minister.
While taking
brief on the architectural features of the proposed building from the
engineers, the Minister stressed the need for meeting the basic needs of
patients like ramps, comfortable wards with the sufficient natural light,
washrooms, and toilets with provisions of both English and Indian seats. He
directed the Director ISM, Dr. Abdul Kabir to get the existing design modified
appropriately and ensure proper coordination with the executing agency for
speedy completion of the project. He also directed for submitting DPR for the
canteen and parking place in the premises.
The Minister
also had a round of some units of the hospital and enquired about the
facilities available there. He called upon the doctors and para-medics to serve
the patients with utmost dedication and missionary spirit. He also directed to
maintain punctuality and proper sanitation in and around the hospital.
MLA
Rajesh Gupta thanked the Minister for paying focused attention to upgrade the
services in the AYUSH Hospital and creating additional accommodation which was
mandatory in view of the increased workload. He announced funds for purchase of
an Ultra Sound machine for the Ayurvedic Hospital from his Constituency Funds.
