Dehradun: The Uttarakhand AYUSH Department has announced plans to establish naturopathy hospitals in the Kumaon region with the objective of promoting wellness tourism in the hill districts of the state.
Focus on Traditional Indian Medicine
Department officials said the proposed AYUSH hospitals will be developed on a resort model. Patients and wellness seekers will be treated through traditional Indian systems of medicine, without the use of allopathic drugs, offering a holistic healing experience.
Land Identified in Key Districts
AYUSH Department Secretary Dipendra Chaudhary informed that land has already been identified for setting up large naturopathy hospitals in Champawat and Pithoragarh districts. Efforts are currently underway to finalise a suitable location in Bageshwar district.
Kumaon Region at the Centre of Plan
All the proposed hospitals will come up in the Kumaon region. According to officials, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate AYUSH-based healthcare with tourism and natural surroundings in the hill areas.
First Phase Preparations Underway
In the initial phase, the department is preparing to open naturopathy hospitals in selected districts. The first two facilities are planned at Balwa Kot in Pithoragarh and Koli Dhek in Champawat, while the site selection process continues in Bageshwar.
Proposal for Central Support
Simultaneously, the department is preparing a detailed proposal seeking financial assistance from the central government. Officials said the funding is expected to be provided under the National AYUSH Mission, and the proposal will be sent soon for approval.
Resort-Style Wellness Facilities
Secretary Chaudhary stated that the hospitals will be developed on resort lines, offering natural treatment along with comfortable accommodation. The initiative is expected to attract both patients and tourists seeking wellness-based therapies.
Shift From AYUSH Gram Yojana
Officials noted that while the Central Government had earlier launched the AYUSH Gram Yojana to promote AYUSH practices at the village level, the scheme has since been discontinued. The current focus is on providing financial support for setting up naturopathy hospitals in rural and hill areas to strengthen wellness infrastructure in the state.
