Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026.

Background

• The setting up of AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries comes under the purview of respective State/UT Governments because Public Health is a State subject.
• In 2020, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to operationalise AYUSH HWCs through States/UTs under the broad umbrella of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) in a phased manner by 2023-24.

Meaning of 'Ayush'

• Traditional & Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing Which Include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy etc.
• The positive features of the Indian systems of medicine namely their diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, a broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost and growing economic value, have great potential to make them providers of healthcare that the large sections of our people need.

About National Ayush Mission (NAM)

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme for development and promotion of AYUSH system of medicine including Homoeopathy.
• It is a flagship scheme of Ministry of AYUSH approved and notified in 2014.
• The grant-in-aid is being provided to State/UT Governments for development and promotion of AYUSH as per their proposed State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs).
• The specific resource pool with respect to NAM for each State/UT Government is allocated and communicated by the Central Government.
• It provides financial assistance for upgradation of Government/ Panchayat/ Government aided AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries for undertaking addition/ alteration of existing premises, furniture, fixtures, equipments etc.