Government expands Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani services with new recruitments, training programs, and digital healthcare initiatives
Massive Boost to AYUSH Workforce in Odisha
In a significant push to strengthen traditional healthcare services, the Government of Odisha has appointed 584 Ayurvedic Medical Officers, 525 Homoeopathic Medical Officers, and 2 Unani Medical Officers across government dispensaries, including remote rural and tribal regions.
This move aims to improve accessibility and delivery of AYUSH-based healthcare systems at the grassroots level.
State-Led Responsibility with Central Support
As public health is a state subject, the responsibility of promoting AYUSH treatments, training doctors, and expanding services lies primarily with the state government. However, the Centre provides financial and policy support through the National Ayush Mission (NAM).
Under NAM, states can receive assistance for:
- Information, Education & Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities
- Training and capacity building of AYUSH professionals
- Establishment of 10/30/50-bedded integrated AYUSH hospitals
- Setting up new dispensaries in underserved areas
- Opening new AYUSH colleges where infrastructure is lacking
Funding is approved through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.
Training Programs to Enhance Healthcare Delivery
The Odisha government has initiated induction training programs for newly appointed AYUSH doctors and assistants.
Additionally, refresher training sessions are being conducted for AYUSH doctors serving as Community Health Officers (CHOs) at 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AYUSH) across the state, ensuring continuous skill development and improved patient care.
Awareness Campaigns and Public Health Initiatives
To increase awareness and adoption of AYUSH treatments, the state is actively conducting:
- Outreach and integrated AYUSH health camps
- Geriatric healthcare camps
- Observance of International Day of Yoga
- Screening programs for osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders under national AYUSH initiatives
Special programs like VAYO MITRA focus on geriatric healthcare services.
Holistic Care Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
The 422 AYUSH-focused Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Odisha are delivering healthcare based on a holistic wellness model, emphasizing:
- Preventive care
- Promotive health practices
- Curative treatments
- Rehabilitative services
These centres also organize regular yoga sessions, distribute medicinal plants, and conduct health awareness activities.
Tele-AYUSH Services Expand Digital Reach
Odisha has introduced Tele-AYUSH services through the e-Sanjeevani platform, improving access to expert consultation in remote areas.
The system connects:
- 50 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Spokes)
- Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital and Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya as Hub centres
Government Statement in Parliament
The update was shared by Pratap Rao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17, 2026.
A Step Towards Inclusive and Traditional Healthcare Growth
With increased manpower, infrastructure development, and digital integration, Odisha is positioning itself as a key player in strengthening AYUSH healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
