AYUSH Ministry substantially underfunded, says minister

Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State (Independent charge for AYUSH), has recently stated that said the Ministry of AYUSH is substantially underfunded. He further added that in order to take up AYUSH healthcare activities, the ministry fell short of funds since the activities included drug quality control, production of herbal raw-material and other related works. Naik also reported the Commission regarding the inadequacy of funds received by State AYUSH Departments. “Most of the State AYUSH Departments did not receive funds from special sources like the 14th Finance Commission award. The central grant –in-aid allocated under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) to States and UTs also remains insufficient and inadequate due to small size of NAM Scheme,” said Naik. He further added, “Administrative framework to oversee the implementation of AYUSH health care programmes at the State level is inadequate in most of the States and UTs. It severely hinders the quality and quantity of AYUSH healthcare services delivery in the underserved and unserved areas.” The following recommendations to the Commission have also been made by the ministry. “A minimum of 10 % of the Health sector grant earmarked under 15th Finance Commission award be dedicated to AYUSH Departments in States. The existing CSS (NAM) should be allowed to continue with more comprehensive objectives and enhanced funding,” he said. He made further suggestion that funds, instead of being routed through the treasury, should directly be placed with implementing agencies. Also, indicators for development of AYUSH may also be adopted as one of the criteria for devolution of funds to States.