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3 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Social IssuesNEWS

AYUSH Ministry to Establish New Ayurveda Institutes; Invites State Proposals

AYUSH Ministry to set up new All India Ayurveda Institutes.

AYUSH Ministry to Establish New Ayurveda Institutes; Invites State Proposals

Photo by Ayush Rastogi

The Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the Ministry will soon seek proposals from States to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs). This initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, aims to expand high-quality education, research, and tertiary care services in Ayurveda. The Budget allocation for AYUSH saw a 10% increase, from ₹3,671.82 crore in FY 2025-26 to ₹4,408.93 crore in FY 2026-27. The Ministry is also considering upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies, testing labs, and manpower, including courses for AYUSH pharmacists and nurses.

Key Facts

1.

3 new AIIAs to be set up

2.

AYUSH budget up 10% to ₹4,408.93 crore

3.

Focus on education, research, tertiary care

4.

Upgrades planned for pharmacies, labs, manpower

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2 - Social Justice (Health)

2.

GS Paper 3 - Science and Technology (Indigenous Technologies)

3.

UPSC focuses on government schemes, budget allocations, and their impact on society

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

The Ministry of AYUSH, now known as the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, was formed in 2014. Its origins, however, trace back to earlier efforts to promote traditional Indian medicine. Before its formation, these systems were handled by a department within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The creation of a separate ministry signified a greater emphasis on developing and promoting these alternative medical systems. This reflects a broader global trend towards recognizing the value of traditional medicine, as highlighted by the WHO's Traditional Medicine Strategy. Historically, Ayurveda, Yoga, and other AYUSH systems have been integral to Indian culture and healthcare practices. Ayurveda, for instance, has roots dating back thousands of years. The formalization of AYUSH as a distinct area of focus within the government has led to increased funding and institutional support. This includes the establishment of research institutions, educational programs, and standardization efforts. The National AYUSH Mission, launched in 2014, aims to promote these systems through cost-effective services and enhanced educational infrastructure. The legal and constitutional framework supporting AYUSH includes various regulations and initiatives aimed at quality control and standardization. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, for example, regulates the manufacture and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs. The government also supports the establishment of accreditation standards for AYUSH institutions to ensure quality education and practice. These efforts align with the broader goal of integrating traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare system while maintaining its unique identity and principles.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased government focus on integrating AYUSH systems into the national healthcare framework. The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims to integrate AYUSH practices into the digital health ecosystem, promoting wider accessibility and standardization. This includes creating a digital platform for AYUSH practitioners and facilities. There's ongoing debate regarding the extent to which AYUSH systems should be integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some stakeholders advocate for greater integration, citing the potential benefits of holistic and personalized care. Others express concerns about the lack of rigorous scientific evidence for some AYUSH treatments. Institutions like NITI Aayog are actively involved in formulating policies and guidelines to address these challenges. The future outlook for AYUSH involves continued efforts to promote research, standardization, and integration. The government has set targets for increasing the number of AYUSH practitioners and facilities across the country. Upcoming milestones include the establishment of new AYUSH educational institutions and the development of evidence-based guidelines for AYUSH treatments. These efforts aim to enhance the credibility and acceptance of AYUSH systems within the broader healthcare landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the AYUSH Ministry's new initiative that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the AYUSH Ministry will be seeking proposals from states to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs). Also, the AYUSH budget has increased by 10% to ₹4,408.93 crore for FY 2026-27.

Exam Tip

Focus on the number of institutes and the percentage increase in the budget. These are common areas for prelims questions.

2. What is the main objective behind establishing new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs)?

The primary objective is to expand high-quality education, research, and tertiary care services in Ayurveda across the country. This initiative aims to strengthen the AYUSH sector and integrate it further into the national healthcare system.

3. How does the recent increase in the AYUSH budget impact the common citizen?

The increased budget allocation allows for better infrastructure, research, and manpower in the AYUSH sector. This can lead to improved access to quality and affordable healthcare services based on traditional Indian medicine for the common citizen. Also, upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs will ensure better quality medicines.

4. What are the recent developments related to the integration of AYUSH with the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)?

The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) aims to integrate AYUSH practices into the digital health ecosystem. This includes creating a digital platform for AYUSH practitioners and facilities to promote wider accessibility and standardization of traditional medicine practices.

5. What is the historical background of the Ministry of AYUSH?

The Ministry of AYUSH was formed in 2014, but its origins trace back to earlier efforts to promote traditional Indian medicine. Before its formation, these systems were handled by a department within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The creation of a separate ministry signified a greater emphasis on traditional medicine.

6. What kind of questions related to AYUSH can be asked in the UPSC Personality Test (Interview)?

In the interview, expect questions about the relevance of traditional medicine in modern healthcare, the challenges in integrating AYUSH with conventional medicine, and your opinion on the government's efforts to promote AYUSH systems. Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of AYUSH and its impact on common citizens.

7. What is the significance of the 10% increase in the AYUSH budget for FY 2026-27?

The 10% increase in the AYUSH budget indicates the government's commitment to promoting and developing traditional Indian systems of medicine. This increased allocation will support initiatives related to education, research, infrastructure development, and the integration of AYUSH into the mainstream healthcare system.

8. Why is the AYUSH Ministry planning to upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs?

Upgrading AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs is crucial for ensuring the quality and standardization of AYUSH medicines. This will enhance the credibility and acceptance of AYUSH treatments, providing better healthcare options for the public.

9. What are the government initiatives related to improving AYUSH manpower?

The government is considering upgrades to AYUSH manpower, including courses for AYUSH pharmacists and nurses. This initiative aims to improve the skills and knowledge of AYUSH professionals, ensuring better service delivery and integration into the healthcare system.

10. What are the important figures to remember regarding the AYUSH budget for the UPSC exam?

For the UPSC exam, remember that the AYUSH budget for FY 2026-27 is ₹4,408.93 crore, which represents a 10% increase from the previous fiscal year. Knowing these figures can be helpful in answering questions related to government spending and priorities in the healthcare sector.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent developments in the AYUSH sector: 1. The Union Budget 2026-27 saw a 10% increase in allocation for the AYUSH Ministry. 2. The Ministry plans to establish five new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs). 3. The Ministry is considering upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Union Budget 2026-27 saw a 10% increase in allocation for the AYUSH Ministry, from ₹3,671.82 crore in FY 2025-26 to ₹4,408.93 crore in FY 2026-27. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Ministry plans to establish THREE new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs), not five. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Ministry is considering upgrades to AYUSH pharmacies and testing labs, including manpower and courses for AYUSH pharmacists and nurses.

2. Which of the following Acts regulates the manufacture and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs in India?

  • A.Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954
  • B.Pharmacy Act, 1948
  • C.Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
  • D.Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
Show Answer

Answer: C

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates the manufacture and sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs in India. This act ensures quality control and standardization of these traditional medicines.

3. The National AYUSH Mission, launched in 2014, aims to: 1. Promote AYUSH systems through cost-effective services. 2. Enhance educational infrastructure in AYUSH. 3. Integrate AYUSH practices into the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The National AYUSH Mission aims to promote AYUSH systems through cost-effective services, enhance educational infrastructure in AYUSH, and integrate AYUSH practices into the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

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