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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AYUSH
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTIONNo. 3568
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026
Awareness and Accessibility of Free AYUSH Medicines
3568. Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar:
Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:
(a) whether digital platforms, mobile applications or SMS alerts are being used to inform
citizens about the availability of free AYUSH medicines, if so, the details thereof and if not,
the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the shortages of AYUSH medicines have been reported in Government facilities
despite announced free supply schemes, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise, along with
the corrective action taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has assessed disparities among States in distribution and
awareness of AYUSH medicines, if so, the findings thereof along with the steps proposed by
the Government to address such imbalance;
(d) whether training programmes have been conducted for healthcare workers to guide
patients about AYUSH treatment options, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons
therefor;
(e) whether coordination exists between the Ministry of AYUSH and State Health
Departments for awareness generation; and
(f) if so, the mechanism thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH
(SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)
(a) to (c) Public Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility to ensure adequate
availability of free Ayush medicines in different Ayush health facilities and creation of
awareness in the community about its free distribution through digital platforms, mobile
applications, or SMS alerts, etc. comes under the purview of respective State/UT
Governments. However, Ministry of Ayush has developed digital platforms such as the Ayush
Hospital Management Information System (AHMIS) under Ayush Grid to digitize inventories
and track the availability of medicines in Ayush facilities by doctors and pharmacists.Under National Ayush Mission (NAM), State/UT Governments are being supported
for implementation of Behavior Change Communication (BCC) and Information, Education,
and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness in the community about strength
of Ayush system. These initiatives use mass media platforms to promote Ayush based
preventive healthcare practices and encourage communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. In
addition to it different outreach activities are also being supported through structured Ayush
Public Health Programmes for creating awareness in the community by conducting camps
and address public health issues by utilizing the potential of Ayush systems, with appropriate
referral linkages with other Ayush healthcare facilities, in providing preventive, promotive,
curative and rehabilitative health care services, either as standalone interventions or as an add-
on to conventional systems of medicine.
(d) Under NAM, 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir AAM (Ayush) [AAM (Ayush)] have
been made operational across the Country. Ministry of Ayush has organized Training of
Trainers (ToT) programmes to train healthcare workers, including ASHA and ANM workers,
about the benefits of Ayush for maintaining general wellness and preventing diseases. These
grassroots workers are associated with AAM (Ayush) and involved in creating awareness in
the community and guide people on simple preventive healthcare practices using Ayush
methods for common illnesses. Additionally, in collaboration with the Central Health
Education Bureau (CHEB), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare (India), Master Trainer programmes were organized in 2024
and 2025 on the management of musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders in Ayush systems
of medicine. These trainings were conducted for medical officers from Ayurveda,
Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha, with participants from all States/UTs.
Further, under Flexible Component of NAM, financial assistance is also provided for
training and capacity building of teaching staff, medical officers, and other paramedical staff
in educational institutions and Ayush hospitals/dispensaries. State/UT Governments may
avail financial assistance by submitting suitable proposals through State Annual Action Plans
(SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.
Furthermore, Ministry of Ayush is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme namely
AYURGYAN which is having a provision of financial assistance under the component of
Capacity Building & Continuing Medical Education (CME) in Ayush for conducting training
program for Ayush personnel.
(e) & (f) Yes, Government of India is implementing NAM Scheme in coordination with
State/UT Governments and supported their efforts for overall development and promotion of
Ayush systems by providing financial assistance under different activities including BCC/IEC
for creating awareness in the community about strength of different Ayush systems.
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