Himachal to boost health Tourism
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh would be giving added priority to give boost to health tourism, develop health resorts and introduce ‘Panchkarma’ system to cure various incurable ailments as the State would be opening 9 more ‘Panchkarma’ centres in different parts of the State. This was revealed by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, while reviewing the progress and targets of the Ayurvedic Department, here today.
Chief Minister said that ‘Panchkarma’ was finding popularity with tourists visiting hilly states for health reasons since it had highest rate of curing various ailments with no side effects. He said that the State had already introduced ‘Panchakarma’ system of health promotion in various ayurvedic medical centres and 9 more would shortly add to the strength. He said that Kerala had been leader in initiation of ayurvedic health promotion activities and Himachal Pradesh would soon be emerging favourite destination not only for nature but health tourism as well. He said that quality services would be made available to the people interested in undergoing ‘Panchkarma’ system of treatment. He said that 28 ayurvedic medical officers would be sent for training to Kerala very soon and services of masseurs requisitioned from the state to train state youth in the profession. He said that State had 40 trained ayurvedic medical officers trained in ‘Panchkarma’ system of health promotion. He said that the sector had vast employment and self employment potential which could help youth in starting their self ventures with quality services.
Prof. Dhumal said that the State had about 4,000 health institutions out of which 1,154 were that of ayurvedia, homeopathic and unani system of treatment. He said that State had highest density of health institutions compared to most of other states and much above the national norms. He said that State had 163 health institutions which were within the radius of zero to 3 kilometers of distance and most benefitted was district Mandi where 24 were within the radius of one kilometer and 21 within three kilometers of distance. He said that the State Government would be considering on merit rationalisation of the health institutions with a view to ensure that best health coverage was available to the people at their door steps. He said that ‘Ksharsutra’ treatment special medical camps were also organised at six centres where 1,626 patients were treated and 526 others operated for various ailments. He said that the co-location of another 100 health institutions under National Rural Health Mission needed to be carried in such a way that it could benefit maximum number of villagers with quality health services
Chief Minister said that the State had launched Anaemia Free Programme in Kangra and Hamirpur districts to start with to make Himachal Pradesh Anaemia Free. He said that about 6.75 lakh persons were examined out of 56 percent were diagnosed suffering from anaemia. He said that massive campaign would be launched to create awareness amongst the masses about the ailment and health camps organised to cure the same in a time bound manner. He said that medicinal plant projects valued at about Rs. 42 crore had been posed for funding to National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB). He said that it was for the first time that Road Map for the Medicinal Plant indicating areas of cultivation, spices, economics and marketing plan, had been prepared and was appreciated by NMPB authorities. He said that the State experts would be studying the Uttrakhand pattern for medicinal plant cultivation and constitute a committee drawing experts from ayurveda, forest, agriculture and horticulture departments.
Prof. Dhumal directed the authorities to check unqualified and quack medical practiceners and regulate the system in a more effective manner so that life of any individual was not put to danger. He emphasised the need for constitution of a Board under State Council of Homoeopathic System of Medicines to evaluate the competence of the registered medical practiceners. He said that about 1.78 lakh patients were admitted to ayurvedic health centres which revealed the fact that people had more faith in traditional system of medicines.
