Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched four major initiatives to boost the Ayush sector in North East India in January. A Panchakarma block, a first in the region, was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by the Union Minister at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Guwahati. A state-of-the-art Pharmacology & Bio Chemistry lab for Ayush, another first in the region, was also inaugurated by the Ayush Minister.
These launches were later followed by foundation stone laying ceremony of the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy (CRIYN) along with a 100-bed Yoga & Naturopathy hospital at Dihing Khamtighat in Dibrugarh on January 28 in which Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present.
The institution will be developed over a land parcel of nearly 15 acres (45 bighas) at an approximate investment of ₹100 cr, with an aim at bringing a scientifically valid and useful synergy between traditional knowledge of Yoga and Naturopathy and modern tools of technology. The construction of the institute is scheduled to be completed by 2026.
The institute will conduct research-related curriculum in yoga and naturopathy for under-graduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral educational programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the institute will be the centre of excellence that would aim at bringing a scientifically valid and useful synergy between traditional knowledge of yoga and naturopathy and modern tools of technology. Dr. Sarma said that besides fellowship and certificate courses in yoga and naturopathy for capacity building, the institute will focus on fundamental aspects, scientific validation of yoga and naturopathy systems of medicine and practices through evidence-based research.
In the programme in Guwahati, the AYUSH Minister laid foundation stones, virtually, for the permanent campus of the Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy (RRIH) along with the Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre to come up at Azara in the city. This centre is a first-of-its-kind centre in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal credited the Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi for revamping the traditional system of medicine. “Given the proven results of our rich healing systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa, it is imperative that these centuries’ old treatments are incorporated into modern medicinal practice. This is going to result in a powerful integrated medicine which will heal both physical ailments and provide avenues for mental wellbeing,” the Minister said. He added that the new Panchakarma block as well as the state-of-the-art laboratories for Ayush are steps that will enable Ayush healthcare delivery system in the region.
A first-of-its-kind ‘Pharmacology and Biochemistry Laboratories’ in Ayush sector in the North East are equipped with facilities for drug standardisation, safety and efficacy evaluation of Ayurvedic formulations. The labs will scientifically validate therapeutic and safety potential of classical Ayurvedic formulation, ethno-medicinal plants and plant-based formulations. It will further work to develop cost-effective novel poly herbal formulations from Ayurvedic plants, especially found in the North Eastern region. The building was built at a cost of more than ₹2.71 cr.
The new campus Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy (RRIH) will have a sprawling campus of 18,610 square feet area. Built at an estimated cost of ₹53.89 cr, the project is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The new campus will be equipped with 50-bed IPD units and OPD services with specialty clinics.
India’s first Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre will have treatment and OPD facilities in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. The centre will also impart therapies of Panchakarma, Naturopathy, Unani and Siddha. A herbal garden will also be created at the centre.
