NEW DELHI: The Centre has proposed expanding Ayush services across all military and field hospitals, with the Ayush ministry urging the defence ministry to set up dedicated outpatient departments (OPDs) and integrate traditional systems of medicine into healthcare for armed forces personnel.In a letter to defence minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said the move would complement the armed forces medical services by strengthening preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care for soldiers serving in diverse and often challenging operational environments.Jadhav noted that while Ayush treatment facilities are already available in a limited number of institutions under the ministry of defence, a large number of military and field hospitals still do not have dedicated Ayush services. He said expanding these facilities would improve access to evidence-based traditional healthcare, particularly in preventive care, lifestyle management, rehabilitation and overall well-being.The proposal seeks to integrate Ayush with the existing healthcare framework rather than replace conventional medical services. According to the ministry, the initiative is aimed at creating a more comprehensive and patient-centric model of care by combining modern medicine with traditional systems wherever appropriate.Jadhav urged the defence ministry to establish Ayush OPDs and treatment facilities in all military and field hospitals, saying the Ayush Ministry was ready to provide technical support, professional guidance and institutional cooperation, including signing an MoU for implementation.If approved, the proposal would significantly expand Ayush services within the armed forces, advancing the government’s push to integrate traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare and improve access to holistic care for defence personnel.
