Tral: Dr. Farooq Ahmad Naqashbandi, the District Ayush Officer, visited the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre in Lurow Jagir, Tral.
During his visit, Dr. Naqashbandi emphasized the transformative role of the AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers, especially in the post-COVID scenario, where the focus has shifted from merely treating illnesses to maintaining overall health. “I will tell you, the Government of India has started a national AYUSH mission, which is much more than just a health initiative,” Dr. Naqashbandi remarked. “The government has allocated 3500 crores for this mission, and a significant portion of this has already been utilized to improve infrastructure across the country.” He explained that while traditional dispensaries are being replaced with AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers, the new approach focuses on three pillars: preventive, promotive, and treatment services. These centers are not just for the sick, but are aimed at maintaining health and preventing diseases through early intervention and lifestyle improvements. Dr. Naqashbandi also discussed the integration of traditional and modern medicine practices, highlighting the importance of educating the public about home remedies and local medicinal plants. “We want your kitchen to become a pharmacy,” he said, stressing the medicinal value of everyday herbs and plants that are often overlooked. He noted the example of Zafran (saffron) from the Pulwama region, a plant whose health benefits many people are unaware of.
Addressing the growing demand for AYUSH services, he acknowledged the constant requests from local officials to establish more AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers in the area. “In the past year or two, there has been significant innovation and demand for AYUSH services. The government’s policy is based on the needs and demands of the people,” he added. Dr. Naqashbandi also highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns through the IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) program, which aims to educate the public about traditional medicine and wellness practices. He emphasized that a key focus of the mission is to reach out to marginalized groups, particularly tribal populations, and raise awareness about their medicinal resources. “We have to document and educate the tribal communities about the value of the medicinal plants and practices in their regions. This is part of our ongoing efforts under the national AYUSH mission,” Dr. Naqashbandi concluded.
