Mayurbhanj Proposed as Ideal Location for Premier Ayurveda Institution Amid Push for AYUSH Expansion
Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has urged the Central Government to establish Eastern India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, citing the region’s rich biodiversity, abundant medicinal plant resources, and strong potential for Ayurveda research and education.
Dr. Patra recently met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in New Delhi and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking the establishment of the prestigious institution under the Ministry of AYUSH. The proposal comes as the Centre continues to strengthen Ayurveda education, research, and integrative healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Odisha Lacks a National-Level Ayurveda Institution
Highlighting the need for the institute, Dr. Patra pointed out that Odisha currently does not have a premier national Ayurveda institution despite its long-standing Ayurvedic heritage and vast natural resources. He noted that several states, including Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, already host major Ayurveda institutions supported by the Central Government.
According to the proposal, the AIIA in Mayurbhanj would serve as a centre of excellence for Ayurveda education, advanced patient care, scientific research, innovation, and community outreach programmes.
Similipal Biodiversity a Major Advantage
Emphasizing Mayurbhanj’s suitability, Dr. Patra stated that the district is home to the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. The region’s extensive medicinal plant wealth could provide a strong foundation for advanced Ayurveda research, conservation initiatives, cultivation projects, and academic studies.
He said Mayurbhanj offers a unique combination of biodiversity, strategic location, and developmental potential required for a national institution of this scale.
AIIA to Complement Existing AYUSH Infrastructure
Dr. Patra also referred to the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Bhubaneswar, clarifying that its primary role is research-oriented. He argued that an All India Institute of Ayurveda would provide a broader institutional framework by offering tertiary healthcare services, undergraduate and postgraduate education, doctoral research, clinical training, and public health outreach programmes.
He stressed that the proposed institute would complement existing AYUSH infrastructure in the state rather than duplicate it.
Call for Balanced Regional Development
Expressing optimism about the proposal, Dr. Patra said Eastern India deserves a premier Ayurveda institution and that Mayurbhanj is ideally positioned to host such a facility. He urged the Ministry of AYUSH to consider the proposal in the interest of balanced regional development, improved healthcare access, employment generation, academic advancement, and the promotion of India’s traditional healthcare systems.
