Dulloo chairs Governing Body Meeting to approve Action Plan for 2026-27
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Tuesday chaired the Governing Body Meeting of the J&K AYUSH Society under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM), during which the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2026-27 was approved for onward submission to the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Planning; Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Managing Director, National Health Mission; Director, AYUSH; and other senior officers.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary highlighted the increasing significance of AYUSH systems in preventive and holistic healthcare, advocating for a comprehensive wellness policy developed in partnership with private stakeholders. He noted the potential of wellness tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing comparisons with successful initiatives in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, and emphasized the need to establish J&K as a key wellness and healthcare destination. To enhance healthcare services, the Chief Secretary directed that major AYUSH Public Welfare Programmes be made available in every Medical College and District Hospital across the Union Territory. These programs include initiatives for the prevention and management of various health conditions, maternal and neonatal care, geriatric healthcare, and lifestyle promotion for school children. He underscored the importance of expanding outreach to maximize the benefits of these services. The Chief Secretary called for improved monitoring of AYUSH facilities and educational institutions, urging regular assessments to ensure quality service delivery. He also proposed the establishment of herbal gardens in government institutions and the involvement of local Self-Help Groups in the processing of medicinal herbs to create livelihood opportunities and promote indigenous products. Additional Chief Secretary, Shailendra Kumar, recommended consolidating existing facilities to provide a broader range of AYUSH services under one roof, emphasizing that efficient resource utilization would yield better outcomes than spreading resources too thinly across multiple initiatives. He also highlighted the need for integrating AYUSH interventions into rehabilitation efforts for substance abuse victims, advocating for a collaborative government approach to address this challenge. Commissioner Secretary, M. Raju, presented a roadmap for expanding AYUSH healthcare services and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, detailing a proposed Annual Action Plan developed through consultations with local AYUSH officials. This plan includes significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resource development, and quality service delivery. Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo, Director of AYUSH, reported a proposed comprehensive action plan amounting to ₹91.997 Cr, which aims to strengthen AYUSH facilities in response to growing demand. The plan encompasses the enhancement of existing AYUSH hospitals, the establishment of new healthcare facilities in underserved areas, and the continuous supply of essential medicines. To improve governance and implementation of the National AYUSH Mission, the Governing Body approved the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the J&K AYUSH Society, ensuring representation from various relevant departments. The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening AYUSH systems, emphasizing the need for better healthcare infrastructure, outreach programs, and public awareness to ensure accessible and holistic healthcare services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
