The Hindu : Karnataka / Mysore News : Use local bodies to popularise Ayurveda: Minister

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 08, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mysore

Use local bodies to popularise Ayurveda: Minister

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE, FEB. 7. The Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, H.C. Mahadevappa, on Sunday called upon Ayurveda experts to use panchayat raj institutions to create awareness about the medicinal system among the rural people.

He was speaking here at the valedictory function of "Deerghayu-2005," the second convention of Ayurveda practitioners organised by the Karnataka State Ayurveda Graduates' Academy. He said panchayat raj institutions can be used to inform, educate and counsel rural masses about the importance of Ayurveda to ensure the health for all.

"The knowledge of Ayurveda assumes importance in the light of the fact that 52 per cent of the population still suffers from malnutrition, 35 per cent is deprived of healthcare facilities and 25 per cent of the masses have no access to transport and communication," he said.

Noting that 70 per cent of the population in the country lives in rural areas, he said the local bodies can be used as a platform not only to revive the Indian system of medicines but also to influence rural people to utilise them. Ayurveda experts, in collaboration with elected representatives of zilla panchayat and gram panchayats, should launch a drive to create awareness about Ayurveda among the masses, he added.

Promising necessary assistance to Ayurveda experts, he said providing healthcare at an affordable cost has become inevitable in a country such as India. Ayurveda, he said, can help the Government in this regard.

Stressing the need to strengthen the Indian system of medicines, Dr. Mahadevappa said: "India does not need the intervention of multi-national companies in the health sector. But there is a need to strengthen primary healthcare in rural areas."

Resolutions

The convention of Ayurveda doctors resolved to urge the Government to establish a separate university for studies and research in Ayurveda. The convention noted that though at present, Ayurveda courses are recognised by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, the system is yet to catch up with the masses. While admissions to Ayurveda courses are conducted through the Common Entrance Test, Ayurveda experts are considered as "second-grade doctors," the convention said.

Seeking equal treatment for Ayurveda doctors, the convention said the allocation for Ayurveda is insufficient.

Though a demand has been made to establish Ayurveda divisions in primary health centres, no effort has been made so far in this regard, the convention said. Among its other demands, the convention resolved to seek land to grow medicinal plants and to set up research centres. Herbal parks should be established in every district, the convention said.

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