44 Ayush Health Centers awarded NABH accreditation

Srinagar, Sep 07: In a significant milestone for the Ayush sector in Jammu and Kashmir, 44 additional Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) in the Jammu Division have been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). This landmark achievement further elevates the quality of healthcare services available in the region through Ayush Systems as per Ayush principles and practices.

Out of the 44 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) accredited by NABH, 7 are in District Jammu, 8 in District Kathua, 05 each in District Rajouri and Reasi, 4 each in District Samba and Kishtwar, 3 each in District Ramban, Doda and Poonch and 2 in District Udhampur. These accredited Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) provide a wide range of services, offering comprehensive primary healthcare facilities to the public.

It is also to inform that 35 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) of Kashmir Division have also been identified for undergoing NABH inspection later in this month for the accreditation process.

It is pertinent to mention that five Ayush Health & Wellness Centres were previously awarded NABH accreditation in a national level summit held at Panchkula, Haryana, where the then Union Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, conferred the award to Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush J&K. That initial recognition set the stage for the recent addition of 44 more accredited centres.

Dr Mohan Singh, Director Ayush J&K, in his statement expressed his gratitude to Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, for his regular monitoring and unwavering support in making this achievement possible. He informed that the accreditation of these 44 centres is a testament to the relentless efforts of the entire team of Directorate of Ayush, J&K including District Teams and will further strengthen the trust and confidence of the public in the quality of Ayush healthcare service delivery, being provided under the aegis of Health and Medical Education Department. He further informed that against the sanctioned 571 Standalone Ayush Dispensaries in J&K, 523 have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) in a phased manner by the Directorate of Ayush J&K under National Ayush Mission. These Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) are providing comprehensive primary healthcare services to the people.

These services provide continuum of care and include promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services enshrined in the various Ayush systems of medicine.

He said that public awareness initiatives such as Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programmes and public health outreach efforts are regularly being organized, contributing to better health literacy and preventive healthcare measures. These Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) also play an active role in school health programmes for the promotion of the medicinal plants sector, ensuring that both health and economic growth are positively impacted in the local community. He further informed that since April 2023 till date, through the public health outreach programmes being implemented at ground level by Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) more than 60 lakh beneficiaries have been made aware about strengths of Ayush principles and practices including Yoga.

Dr Mohan Singh further highlighted the growing demand for Ayush services, which has increased significantly due to the new initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat Campaign. He attributed this increased demand to the model of intersectoral convergence of Ayush Services, with major national programmes such as Anemia Mukt Bharat, Non-Communicable Diseases Mukt Bharat, promotion of Millets under Eat Right Campaign and Nasha Mukt Bharat, all of which are being regularly implemented at grass root level by Ayush staff.

He further said that footfall and demand for Ayush services have grown exponentially in the UT of J&K due to these innovative approaches and accreditation by NABH for 44 more Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AHWCs) underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership in the integration of Ayush services into mainstream healthcare, ensuring that the benefits of traditional and holistic forms of Medicine are accessible at the doorsteps of the general public. “ The Directorate remains committed to enhancing healthcare delivery and fostering a healthier, more vibrant community through its ongoing efforts towards achieving quality AYUSH health care Service delivery” he added.