Guwahati: In a landmark event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has propelled the Ayush sector in North East India to new heights with the inauguration of groundbreaking projects. The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) witnessed the unveiling of the region’s first ‘Panchakarma Block’ and the introduction of the first-of-its-kind ‘Pharmacology & Bio Chemistry’ lab for Ayush. These initiatives, inaugurated on January 12, mark a significant step towards integrating traditional healing practices into the modern healthcare system.
Guwahati witnessed a historic moment as Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated groundbreaking initiatives to enhance the Ayush sector in North East India. On January 12, the Ayush Minister laid the foundation stones for the permanent campus of the Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy (RRIH) and India’s first Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre in the region. These initiatives aim to strengthen the traditional systems of medicine and integrate them into modern healthcare practices.
The dedicated Panchakarma Block at CARI, spanning 9453.30 square feet, offers Panchakarma therapies at affordable rates. The G+3 building, costing over Rs 7.72 crores, houses specialised rooms for key Panchakarma therapies, a medicine lab, dedicated classrooms for training technicians, and additional amenities such as a conference hall and a canteen. The facility will conduct scientific validation of Panchakarma therapies, ensuring quality resources for the Ayush market.
Simultaneously, the ‘Pharmacology and Biochemistry Laboratories,’ a G+2 building costing more than Rs 2.71 crores, will play a pivotal role in drug standardisation, safety evaluation of Ayurvedic formulations, and development of cost-effective polyherbal formulations. Equipped with modern instruments, this facility is set to validate therapeutic and safety potential, especially focusing on the unique flora of the North East region.
The Regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy (RRIH), with an estimated cost of Rs 53.89 crores, will feature a sprawling campus of 18,610 square feet. Scheduled for completion by 2026, the new campus will offer IPD and OPD services, specialty clinics, a clinical lab, an emergency unit, and a minor operation theatre.
India’s first Integrated Ayush Wellness Centre, a pioneering initiative, will provide treatment and OPD facilities in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The centre will also offer therapies such as Panchakarma, Naturopathy, Unani, and Siddha, benefitting the people of the region. A herbal garden is also planned for the centre.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the transformative impact of integrating traditional medicine into the modern healthcare system. Speaking on the occasion, he stated, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the traditional system of medicine has been revamped so that it adds strength to the healthcare delivery system in the country.”
The Health & Family Welfare Minister, Assam, Keshab Mahanta, MP (Lok Sabha) Queen Oja, and other dignitaries joined the Union Minister at the launch, marking a significant step towards advancing Ayush healthcare delivery in the North East. The vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for swift development and initiatives ensuring speedy growth continues to drive transformative projects in the region.
