A growing shift towards traditional healthcare systems is being witnessed in Hamirpur, where Ayurveda is gaining significant public trust, reflected in a steady rise in patient visits across the district.
OPD Cases Increase by Over 1.2 Lakh in Five Years
According to official data from the Ayurveda Department, nearly 70 Ayurvedic health centres in the district have reported a substantial increase in outpatient department (OPD) cases over the past five years.
Patient footfall rose from 2,19,717 in 2020–21 to 3,42,357 in 2025–26 — an increase of 1,22,640 cases. This sharp growth highlights a clear trend of people increasingly opting for Ayurvedic treatment, either as a primary choice or alongside modern medicine.
Post-COVID Shift Boosts Ayurveda Adoption
The surge in Ayurveda’s popularity gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional remedies such as kadha (herbal decoctions) and natural formulations became widely used.
These practices not only supported immunity but also strengthened public confidence in Ayurvedic treatments, a trend that has continued even in the post-pandemic period.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Ayurveda
Healthcare experts attribute the rising preference for Ayurveda to several key factors. These include relatively fewer side effects, a focus on addressing the root cause of diseases, and an emphasis on lifestyle changes and preventive care.
Such characteristics make Ayurveda particularly effective for managing chronic conditions and improving overall well-being.
Government Push and Rural Outreach Drive Growth
The expansion of AYUSH services and government-led initiatives have also played a crucial role in boosting access to Ayurvedic healthcare, especially in rural areas.
Improved infrastructure, increased awareness, and better availability of services have encouraged patients to seek treatment for common ailments such as seasonal illnesses, digestive problems, skin conditions, and joint pain.
Officials Highlight Growing Trust in Traditional Medicine
District AYUSH Officer Rajesh Kalia noted that Ayurvedic medicines are generally perceived to have minimal side effects and are designed to treat diseases at their root cause.
This approach continues to strengthen public confidence and is a major factor behind the increasing number of patients turning to Ayurveda.
A Broader Healthcare Shift Underway
The rising numbers in Hamirpur reflect a broader transformation in healthcare preferences, where traditional and modern systems are increasingly being used together, offering patients more holistic treatment options.
