Andhra Pradesh seeks ₹257 crore Central boost for AYUSH sector
The Andhra Pradesh government has submitted a proposal to the National AYUSH Mission seeking ₹257 crore under the Annual Action Plan for 2026–27 to strengthen AYUSH infrastructure and services in the State. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced this while addressing a conference of Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha doctors at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Thursday.
The proposal, if approved, would significantly increase central assistance for AYUSH in the State. According to the Minister, the TDP-led coalition government had secured ₹85 crore in 2024–25 and ₹166 crore in 2025–26 under the National AYUSH Mission, a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at promoting indigenous medical systems.
Yadav criticised the previous YSRCP government for what he described as a failure to obtain adequate central assistance for the sector. He also stated that discussions would be held with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to fill vacancies in the AYUSH and Food Safety departments under a zero-vacancy policy.
The Minister outlined several infrastructure plans. Integrated AYUSH hospitals, each costing ₹15 crore, are to be established in Tirupati, Giddalur, Nandigama, Tenali, Tekkali and Rampachodavaram. Ayurveda colleges at Dharmavaram and Pithapuram, along with a Unani college at Proddatur, are to be developed at a total cost of ₹210 crore.
In Visakhapatnam, the construction of a ₹70-crore Naturopathy Medical College is nearing completion. New buildings for AYUSH Health Mandirs are also in their final stages, the Minister said.
On human resources, Yadav said 216 AYUSH doctors have been recruited since 2024. He further mentioned that approval has been granted for 58 surgical procedures in Ayurveda, but their implementation will begin only after consultations with stakeholders and adequate public awareness drives.
Emphasising that promoting AYUSH does not undermine the importance of allopathic medicine, the Minister said allopathy remains essential for emergency care and complex surgeries. This statement comes amid ongoing debates on integrating traditional and modern medical systems.
The National AYUSH Mission, launched in 2014, provides a flexible pool of funds to States for improving AYUSH education, treatment and outreach. States submit annual action plans, and the Centre releases funds based on the proposals and availability of resources.
The development assumes significance as the State seeks to expand affordable healthcare options. However, experts have often called for robust evidence-based research and standardisation in traditional medicine practices. The government's move to introduce surgical procedures in Ayurveda is likely to draw both interest and scrutiny from the medical community.
Further details on the proposal's approval and fund utilisation are awaited. The Minister's announcements signal a continued push by the State government to bolster AYUSH services, with a focus on infrastructure, education and human resource development.
