opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5624 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Indian Citizens stuck in West Asian Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Mala Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5624 ANSWERED ON - 27/03/2026

## INDIAN CITIZENS STUCK IN WEST ASIAN COUNTRIES

5624. SMT MALA ROY

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Indian citizens are stuck in the West Asian countries due to current war; and

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of such standard Indian State-wise and country-wise?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a & b) More than 1 crore Indian nationals are residing in countries in West Asia and the Gulf region. Details of country-wise Indian population residing in these countries are attached at Annexure-I. Due to the prevailing situation in West Asia, Indian nationals visiting the   region   or   transiting   through   it,   including   tourists,   students, pilgrims etc., faced difficulties on account of airspace closures and flight cancellations. Indian Embassies in the region have facilitated the travel of these Indian nationals to India by regular as well as non-scheduled commercial flights. Till 21 March 2026, over 3.75

lakh Indian passengers have travelled from these countries to India.

## Annexure-I

## Country-wise Indian population residing in West Asian countries

| Sl. No.   | Name of country   | No. of Indian nationals currently residing (approximately)   |
|-----------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1.        | Iran              | 9,000                                                        |
| 2.        | Israel            | 42,000                                                       |
| 3.        | Bahrain           | 3,15,000                                                     |
| 4.        | UAE               | 43,26,248                                                    |
| 5.        | Kuwait            | 10,59,179                                                    |
| 6.        | Saudi Arabia      | 27,47,551                                                    |
| 7.        | Iraq              | 25,000                                                       |
| 8.        | Yemen             | 4,000                                                        |
| 9.        | Qatar             | 8,30,000                                                     |
| 10.       | Oman              | 6,74,950                                                     |
| 11.       | Lebanon           | 1500                                                         |
| 12.       | Palestine         | 10                                                           |
| 13.       | Jordan            | 17900                                                        |
| 14.       | Syria             | 50                                                           |
| Total     |                   | 1,00,52,388                                                  |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5611 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Cases of Respiratory Diseases in Himachal Pradesh
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5611 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH MARCH, 2026

## CASES OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

## † 5611. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has received complaints/reports regarding an increase in respiratory diseases in the districts of Kangra and Chamba in Himachal Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether cases of cancer have also increased in the said districts due to the increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (d) Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, to mitigate the challenges posed by Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories across the country. The state Government of Himachal Pradesh has informed that no specific data is maintained to indicate an increase in respiratory diseases and cancer cases in Kangra and Chamba district.

Cancer is a multifactorial disease, with tobacco and alcohol consumption recognized as significant risk factors for several types of cancer. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) -National Cancer Registry Programme, the estimated incidence of cancer cases in the State of Himachal Pradesh, the estimated number of cancer cases (all sites, both sexes) are 7,959 in 2023 to 8,001 in 2024 and further to 8,041 in 2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5607 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: AYUSH Hospital and Dispensaries in Bhagalpur, Bihar
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Ajay Kumar Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5607 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026

## AYUSH Hospital and Dispensaries in Bhagalpur, Bihar

†5607. Shri Ajay Kumar Mandal:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  establish  AYUSH  hospitals/dispensaries  in  Bhagalpur Parliamentary Constituency, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the current status of the integration of AYUSH services with Ayushman Bharat;

(c)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  the  availability  of  AYUSH  doctors  and paramedical staff; and

(d)  the  details  of  the  assistance  being  provided  to  farmers  to  encourage  the  cultivation  of medicinal plants?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a)  Public  Health  being  a  State  subject,  the  establishment  of  Ayush  Hospitals/dispensaries  in Bhagalpur  parliament  constituency  of  Bihar  comes  under  the  purview  of  the  respective  State Government. However, under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM), there is provision of financial assistance for establishment of 50/30/10 bedded Integrated Ayush Hospital  as  well  as  Ayush  dispensary.  Accordingly,  State  Government  may  avail  financial assistance by submitting suitable proposals through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.

(b)  The  Ayush  packages  are  not  included  in  Ayushman  Bharat  Pradhan  Mantri-Jan  Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

(c)  As  Public  Health is  a  State  subject,  the  primary responsibility to  ensure the  availability of Ayush  doctors  and  paramedical  staff  lies  with  respective  State  Government.  However,  under NAM  State/UT  Governments  are  being  supported  for  manpower  support  including  Ayush doctors  and  paramedical  staff  under  the  activities  of  50/30/10  bedded  Integrated  Ayush

Hospitals, upgradation of existing Ayush Hospitals, Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush), Ayush public Health Program etc. as per the proposals received in their SAAPs.

(d) To encourage the cultivation of Medicinal Plants in the State of Bihar, National Medicinal Plant  Board (NMPB) Ministry of Ayush through its Regional cum facilitation centre (Eastern regional)  situated  at  Jadhavpur  University,  Kolkata  West  Bengal  provide  Quality  Planting Material (QPM) & impart training Program on good Agriculture Practices, Good Field collection Practices & Post Harvest Management.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5605 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Vaccine Manufacturers and use of Domestic HPV Vaccines
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Bachhav Shobha Dinesh

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5605 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th MARCH 2026

## VACCINE MANUFACTURERS AND USE OFDOMESTIC HPV VACCINES

## 5605. DR. BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines programme approved and the age cohorts targeted under the programme;
- (b) the names of vaccine manufacturers whose products are being procured or used, including details of any domestically produced HPV vaccines such as those developed with participation of Indian companies;
- (c) whether any international organisations, partners or foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi or WHO have provided technical support, funding or collaboration in the planning, introduction or implementation of the HPV vaccination programmes, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is aware of any judicial inquiries, regulatory investigations, parliamentary probes or civil litigation conducted anywhere in the world concerning HPV vaccines or their manufacturers and if so, the details and the outcomes thereof; and
- (e) the current coverage achieved, programme targets and timelines for achieving nationwide vaccination goals against cervical cancer?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (e) The Nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign was launched on 28th February 2026 for approximately 1.2 crore eligible beneficiary girls aged 14 years across all 36 States and Union Territories. The vaccine is administered free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya MandirsPrimary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDH)/District Hospitals (DHs) & Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in presence of medical officer. Training of medical and paramedical staff across all 36 States/UTs in the country has been completed. HPV vaccination is voluntary and parental consent is mandatory before administration of vaccine. The Vaccine manufactured by Merck Sharp Dhome (MSD) has been secured as kind support from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. The 72nd Parliamentary Standing Committee covers various issues concerning HPV vaccine related matters. As on 24th March 2026, a total of 5,03,008 girls have been administered the HPV vaccine.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5587 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Delay in NPRD Assistance
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Byreddy Shabari

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5587 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th MARCH 2026

## DELAY IN NPRD ASSISTANCE

## 5587. DR. BYREDDY SHABARI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the mechanism in place to ensure timely follow-up, communication and guidance to patients after completing registration under the National Policy of Rare Diseases (NPRD) through nodal officers and Centres of Excellence (CoEs);
- (b) the details of representations received regarding delays in processing applications and lack of communication after registration and the action taken by the Government thereon; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to establish additional Centres of Excellence for Rare Diseases so that patients do not have to travel long distances for consultation and treatment in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, to mitigate the challenges posed by rare diseases in India, the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021 provides financial and medical assistance for treatment of patients suffering from identified rare diseases in the designated Centers of Excellence (CoEs). A dedicated Rare Disease Committee (RDC) has been constituted in each CoE with the Nodal Officer for Rare Diseases being the Member Secretary of the RDC. The Nodal Officer and the RDC are responsible for regular counselling, scheduling Out Patient Department (OPD) visits, monthly reviews and providing updates to ensure proper guidance to patients.
- (b) In case of representations received regarding delays in processing applications, the concerned CoEs are directed to comply with the extant guidelines of the NPRD.
- (c) The Government has been identifying more CoEs across the country to increase accessibility and availability of treatment. Since the inception of NPRD, the number of CoEs has increased from 8 to 15, including 2 CoEs in the North-east India so that the patients do not have to travel long distances for consultation and treatment. Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD, Hyderabad), Centre for Human Genetics (CHG, Bengaluru) and Institute Of Child Health and Hospital for Children (ICH & HC, Chennai) are the CoEs which are in close proximity for catering patients from Andhra Pradesh.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5585 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Increase of Mental Health Disorders
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5585 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th MARCH, 2026

## INCREASE OF MENTALHEALTH DISORDERS

## 5585. DR. ANGOMCHABIMOLAKOIJAM:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the increase in mental health disorders among women and children affected by the ongoing crisis in Manipur, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the mental-health support, counselling, trauma care and psycho-social services provided for women and children in affected areas and relief camps; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen mental-healthcare services for women and children affected by violence and displacement?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS-I) was conducted in 2015-16. In the NMHS-I the data did not separately capture the prevalence of mental health disorders among children and women due to prolonged displacement, disruption of education and exposure to violence.

The State of Manipur has informed that a systemic mechanism has been put in place for diagnosis, counselling, and therapeutic support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the following comprehensive measures have been taken to address the situation.

-  The State mental health team and district mental health support teams have been constituted under the State Health Department.
-  The teams comprise of Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatric Social Workers, Psychiatric Nurses of National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), and counsellors from various NHM programs such as Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Rastriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), and the Family Planning programme across the hill and valley districts of Manipur.
-  The team regularly conducts scheduled visits and continues to do so as per requirement. As of 10 th March, 2026, 1040 visits to IDP relief camps have been done by mental health teams.
-  To strengthen the capacity of the health care providers, training and workshops for District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) staff and other Mental Health professionals of Manipur have been held in collaboration with SAMVAD NIMHANS.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 5582 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Awareness Campaigns & School Outreach
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Shri Atul Garg, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5582 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th MARCH 2026

## AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS & SCHOOL OUTREACH

## 5582. SMT. BHARTI PARDHI:

SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE:

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:

SHRI ATULGARG:

SHRI RAVINDRADATTARAM WAIKAR:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether awareness campaigns and school-based outreach programmes are being conducted by the Government to promote vaccine uptake in the country, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to train healthcare personnel for the nationwide rollout; and
- (c) the expected impact of this initiative on cervical cancer prevention, adolescent health outcomes and public health goals?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (c) As a preventive intervention to reduce cervical cancer incidence, the nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign was launched on 28th February 2026 for approximately 1.2 crore eligible beneficiary girls aged 14 years across all 36 States and Union Territories . The extensive training on HPV vaccination for medical and paramedical staff across all 36 States/UTs in the country has been completed. Awareness generation to promote the uptake of various vaccines like HPV, Td (Tetanus adult Diphtheria) are being conducted through use of IEC materials such as radio jingles, posters, banners, myth-busting digital content and social media platforms to provide accurate information and address misconceptions. The vaccines are administered free of cost at all designated government health facilities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5576 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Status of Yoga and Naturopathy Research Centre
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -5576 FOR 27.03.2026

## STATUS OF YOGA AND NATUROPATHY RESEARCH CENTRE

## 5576. SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

(a)  the  current  status  of  support  provided  by  Government for the proposed Yoga and  Naturopathy  Research  Centre  at  Amaravati,  Andhra  Pradesh  including  the scheme/component, grant-in-aid sanctioned and date of approval;

(b) whether any operationalisation timeline has been fixed for the Centre covering civil  works,  equipment,  recruitment  and  commencement  of  activities,  if  so,  the milestones and completion schedule and if not, the reasons for delay;

(c)  the  number  of  AYUSH  research  and  innovation  centres  approved  in  other States  during  the  last  two  years  along  with  their  commissioning  status  and  the comparative progress of Andhra Pradesh;

(d) whether the Government has issued guidelines to the State on staffing, research protocols and monitoring of the project; and

(e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  advisories  issued,  Key  Performance Indicators (KPIs) used and review mechanism adopted in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a)  and  (b) : Presently,  there  is  no  proposal  to  set  up Yoga  and  Naturopathy Research Centre at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

(c)   Ministry of Ayush has an apex body namely Central Council for Research in Yoga  &  Naturopathy(CCRYN)  for  research  and  development  in  the  Yoga  and Naturopathy systems. Under this organization, Central Research Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) has been approved in Kasargod, Kerala during the last two years. Furthermore, in last two years, 7 Collaborative Centre for Mind Body Intervention through Yoga (CCMBIY) have been established at  AIIMS Bibinagar (Telangana),    AIIMS  Jodhpur  (Rajasthan),  AIIMS  Bhopal  (Madhya  Pradesh), AIIMS  Delhi,  AIIMS  Jajjhar  (Harayana),  Nimhans,  Benguluru  (Karnataka)  and Svayasa, Benguluru (Karnataka)

(d) and (e): Question does not arise, in view of part (a) and (b) above.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5569 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Opening of CGHS Wellness Centre in Nainital
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5569 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH MARCH, 2026

## OPENING OF CGHS WELLNESS CENTRE IN NAINITAL

## 5569 SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering opening a CGHS Wellness Centre at Nainital in the

State of Uttarakhand to facilitate a large number of CGHS beneficiaries; and (b) if so, the time by which the said CGHS Wellness Centre is likely to become operational?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) and (b) : Government has approved additional CGHS Wellness Centres across the country including Nainital.

Necessary instructions have been issued for finalization of accommodation and for encadrement of the newly created posts.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Tele-Law Programme in YSR Kadapa District
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5567 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 27 TH  MARCH, 2026

## TELE-LAW PROGRAMME IN YSR KADAPA DISTRICT

## 5567. SHRI Y S AVINASH REDDY:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of Common Service Centres (CSCs) operated by the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) at the Gram Panchayat level for the implementation of the Tele-Law 19 Programme in YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) whether  the  Tele-Law  platform  has  been  integrated  with  the  Nyaya  Bandhu  (Pro  Bono  Legal Services) platform to facilitate legal representation in courts for the eligible beneficiaries under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (c): A total Number of 13,361 Common Service Centres (CSCs) are operational in the State of Andhra Pradesh. It includes 557 CSCs operational in YSR Kadapa District, where Tele-Law services are being delivered through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) at the Gram Panchayat level.

In 2023, the Tele-Law platform was integrated with Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) platform to facilitate legal representation in courts to the eligible beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Through the Tele- Law App, beneficiaries may consult with a panel lawyer on seeking further legal advice and assistance from Nyaya Bandhu Pro Bono advocate. With  support  from  the  VLEs  and  Panel  Lawyers  engaged  in  pre-litigation  advice  under  Tele-Law, awareness about the Nyaya Bandhu is being spread to the citizens in their regional language at the CSCs and via Helpline Toll- free number 14454. This seamless integration aims to create a mechanism for delivering legal advice and assistance to needy beneficiaries across the country.

*******