Andhra Pradesh Seeks ₹257 Crore Central Aid to Upgrade AYUSH Infrastructure
The Andhra Pradesh government has submitted a proposal to the Central government seeking ₹257 crore under the National AYUSH Mission’s Annual Action Plan for the 2026–27 financial year to boost traditional healthcare infrastructure across the state.
What Happened
Speaking at a conference of Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, and Siddha doctors held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav announced the state’s latest funding proposal. The minister highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance traditional healthcare delivery, noting that the state secured ₹85 crore in 2024–25 and ₹166 crore in 2025–26 under the National AYUSH Mission.
Addressing the gathering, the minister mentioned plans to consult Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu regarding recruitment to fill pending posts in the AYUSH and Food Safety departments under a zero-vacancy policy. He also shared updates on ongoing infrastructure projects and clinical policy approvals.
Key Highlights
- Central Funding Proposal: A request for ₹257 crore submitted to the National AYUSH Mission for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
- New Integrated Hospitals: Integrated AYUSH hospitals will be established in Tirupati, Giddalur, Nandigama, Tenali, Tekkali, and Rampachodavaram at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore each.
- College Upgrades: A total of ₹210 crore has been allocated to develop Ayurveda colleges in Dharmavaram and Pithapuram, alongside a Unani college in Proddatur.
- Ongoing Construction: Work on the ₹70-crore Naturopathy Medical College in Visakhapatnam is nearing completion, along with new structures for AYUSH Health Mandirs.
- Workforce Expansion: A total of 216 AYUSH doctors have been recruited since 2024, with further recruitment planned under a zero-vacancy initiative.
- Ayurvedic Surgical Procedures: Approvals have been secured for 58 Ayurvedic surgical procedures, with rollout slated following stakeholder consultations and public awareness campaigns.
- Role of Allopathy: The minister reiterated that developing AYUSH systems does not reduce the necessity of allopathic medicine, which remains vital for emergencies and complex surgical interventions.
Why This Matters
The proposed funding and infrastructure projects aim to broaden access to alternative and traditional medical systems across multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh. Establishing dedicated hospitals, modernising educational colleges, and completing specialized institutions will enhance training and localized healthcare services, while balancing integration alongside conventional allopathic emergency care.
What to Watch Next
Key next steps include the Central government’s review of the ₹257 crore proposal under the National AYUSH Mission, upcoming consultations regarding zero-vacancy recruitment, the completion of the Naturopathy Medical College in Visakhapatnam, and stakeholder meetings ahead of implementing the 58 approved Ayurvedic surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding has Andhra Pradesh requested from the Centre for AYUSH?
The state government has submitted a proposal seeking ₹257 crore under the National AYUSH Mission for the 2026–27 financial year.
Where are the new integrated AYUSH hospitals being established?
Six integrated AYUSH hospitals, costing ₹15 crore each, are planned for Tirupati, Giddalur, Nandigama, Tenali, Tekkali, and Rampachodavaram.
What is the status of the approved Ayurvedic surgical procedures?
While approval has been granted for 58 surgical procedures in Ayurveda, implementation will commence only after stakeholder consultations and public awareness efforts are completed.
Source: Based on statements by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav reported by The Hindu.