Lok Sabha Question No. 3568 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Awareness and Accessibility of Free AYUSH Medicines
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNo. 3568 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## Awareness and Accessibility of Free AYUSH Medicines

3568. Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a)  whether digital platforms, mobile applications or SMS alerts are being used to inform citizens about the availability of free AYUSH medicines, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the shortages of AYUSH medicines have been reported in Government facilities despite announced free supply schemes, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise, along with the corrective action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  disparities  among  States  in  distribution  and awareness of AYUSH medicines, if so, the findings thereof along with the steps proposed by the Government to address such imbalance;

(d)  whether  training  programmes  have  been  conducted  for  healthcare  workers  to  guide patients about AYUSH treatment options, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e)  whether  coordination  exists  between  the  Ministry  of  AYUSH  and  State  Health Departments for awareness generation; and

(f) if so, the mechanism thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Public Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility to ensure adequate availability  of  free  Ayush  medicines  in  different  Ayush  health  facilities  and  creation  of awareness  in  the  community  about  its  free  distribution  through  digital  platforms,  mobile applications, or SMS  alerts, etc. comes  under  the purview  of respective State/UT Governments. However, Ministry of Ayush has developed digital platforms such as the Ayush Hospital Management Information System (AHMIS) under Ayush Grid to digitize inventories and track the availability of medicines in Ayush facilities by doctors and pharmacists.

Under National Ayush Mission (NAM), State/UT Governments are being supported for implementation of  Behavior Change Communication (BCC) and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness in the community about strength of  Ayush  system.  These  initiatives  use  mass  media  platforms  to  promote  Ayush  based preventive healthcare practices and encourage communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. In addition to it different outreach activities are also being supported through structured Ayush Public Health Programmes for creating awareness in the community by conducting camps and address public health issues by utilizing the potential of Ayush systems, with appropriate referral linkages with other Ayush healthcare facilities, in providing preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care services, either as standalone interventions or as an addon to conventional systems of medicine.

(d)  Under NAM, 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandir AAM (Ayush) [AAM (Ayush)] have been  made  operational  across  the  Country.  Ministry  of  Ayush  has  organized  Training  of Trainers (ToT) programmes to train healthcare workers, including ASHA and ANM workers, about the benefits of Ayush for maintaining general wellness and preventing diseases. These grassroots workers are associated with AAM (Ayush) and involved in creating awareness in the  community  and  guide  people  on  simple  preventive  healthcare  practices  using  Ayush methods  for  common  illnesses.  Additionally,  in  collaboration  with  the  Central  Health Education Bureau (CHEB), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India), Master Trainer programmes were organized in 2024 and 2025 on the management of musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders in Ayush systems of medicine. These  trainings were conducted for medical officers  from  Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, and Siddha, with participants from all States/UTs.

Further, under Flexible Component of NAM, financial assistance is also provided for training and capacity building of teaching staff, medical officers, and other paramedical staff in  educational  institutions  and  Ayush  hospitals/dispensaries.  State/UT  Governments  may avail financial assistance by submitting suitable proposals through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.

Furthermore, Ministry of Ayush is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme namely AYURGYAN which is having a provision of financial assistance under the component of Capacity Building & Continuing Medical Education (CME) in Ayush for conducting training program for Ayush personnel.

(e)  &  (f)  Yes,  Government  of  India  is  implementing  NAM  Scheme  in  coordination  with State/UT Governments and supported their efforts for overall development and promotion of Ayush systems by providing financial assistance under different activities including BCC/IEC for creating awareness in the community about strength of different Ayush systems.

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