Uttar Pradesh is set to witness a significant milestone in the field of traditional medicine as its first AYUSH university, Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, is expected to commence operations by the end of 2024. This institution will mark a major step forward for the state’s healthcare education, offering a wide array of courses related to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH).
Uttar Pradesh's inaugural AYUSH University is to open in Gorakhpur by December, advancing traditional medicine and holistic education.@moayush pic.twitter.com/v6wgaRMaZd
— Government of UP (@UPGovt) November 14, 2024
Announcing this development, an official spokesperson stated that the project has been one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s key ambitions. The University’s foundation stone was laid on August 28, 2021, by then-President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. Spread over a sprawling 52-acre campus in Pipri, Bhathat, area of Gorakhpur, this institution is envisioned to strengthen the state’s traditional medicine sector, providing a robust infrastructure for education, research, and healthcare services in AYUSH disciplines.
The establishment of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University reflects the commitment of Uttar Pradesh’s government to promote holistic health systems that have been part of India’s ancient heritage. Yogi Adityanath, himself a well-known advocate of traditional medicine and a trained yoga practitioner, has placed special emphasis on bringing this dream project to life. Once operational, the University will play a pivotal role in mainstreaming and expanding the reach of AYUSH systems of medicine, aligning with the government’s broader vision of integrating these disciplines with modern healthcare.
This University will offer an extensive range of traditional courses covering various medical systems under the AYUSH umbrella, including Ayurveda, which is the oldest known medicinal practice, Yoga as a holistic therapy, Unani as a system of medicine based on ancient Greek principles, Siddha rooted in ancient Tamil tradition, and Homeopathy, a popular system of alternative medicine.
According to the spokesperson, the AYUSH department officials have been conducting a comprehensive study of AYUSH programs offered in other states across India. This comparative study aims to benchmark the best practices and course structures of existing AYUSH institutions, ensuring that the upcoming University in Gorakhpur becomes a centre of excellence in the field.
The research conducted will help in developing and implementing specialised, state-of-the-art courses that cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University is set to offer a range of programs, including diploma, graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. A PhD course in AYUSH is also in the pipeline, aimed at encouraging advanced research in traditional medicinal practices.
The University has plans to offer at least a dozen unique courses across its various departments, making it one of the most comprehensive institutions for AYUSH education in India. These courses are expected to not only cover theoretical aspects but also include practical training in disciplines like herbal medicine, yoga therapy, and naturopathy. The introduction of these programs will serve to meet the increasing demand for trained AYUSH professionals, both within India and globally, as alternative medicine sees a rise in popularity.
The University is expected to play a key role in expanding the footprint of AYUSH in mainstream healthcare, not just in Uttar Pradesh but throughout the country. With more people turning to natural and holistic treatment methods, the need for formalised education and research in traditional medicine has never been greater. The establishment of the AYUSH University will ensure that future generations of healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet this growing demand.
The University will also collaborate with various national and international bodies to advance research in these ancient healthcare systems. This will include partnerships with other AYUSH institutions, research centres, and healthcare organisations to foster innovation and development in the field. The integration of AYUSH with modern technology, such as artificial intelligence in healthcare, is also on the agenda, as the University aims to stay at the cutting edge of educational advancements.
Construction work on the University is progressing rapidly, with the AYUSH OPD (Outpatient Department) already having started services on February 15, 2023. The OPD is currently providing healthcare services rooted in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, offering a taste of what the University will offer once fully functional. The campus is being designed to cater not just to students and researchers but also to the local community. It will provide healthcare services that emphasise preventive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects of AYUSH.
The University’s hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide treatment using traditional medicine systems. Patients will be able to receive therapies that blend ancient practices with modern diagnostic techniques. The hospital aims to serve as a model for the integration of AYUSH systems into the broader public healthcare framework, offering holistic care to the population.
Once completed, the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University will serve as an educational hub where students can learn traditional medicine practices in a structured and scientific manner. The aim is to dispel misconceptions and build a solid framework of education that combines empirical research with time-tested traditional knowledge.
The University’s establishment is expected to have a ripple effect on the state’s healthcare landscape. Uttar Pradesh, which has historically faced challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas, will benefit greatly from the increased availability of trained AYUSH practitioners. These professionals will be able to offer alternative healthcare solutions to communities that might otherwise lack access to modern medical facilities.
Furthermore, the University is likely to draw students from across India and abroad, turning Gorakhpur into a significant educational hub for AYUSH studies. The global demand for AYUSH products and therapies has been steadily rising, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of immunity-boosting, natural remedies. As a result, the University’s graduates will likely find opportunities not only in healthcare practice but also in research, product development, and wellness tourism.
This project also ties in with the Indian government’s larger vision of promoting AYUSH on the international stage. The Ministry of AYUSH has been working to promote Indian traditional medicine globally, and the opening of this University will help meet the rising global demand for trained professionals in the field.
The Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University stands as a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to reviving and advancing India’s ancient healthcare systems. With its inauguration set for December, the University is poised to become a centre of excellence in AYUSH education and healthcare, offering cutting-edge courses and contributing to the state’s overall healthcare infrastructure. Through its various programs and initiatives, it aims to cement its place as a leader in the field of traditional medicine and ensure that the rich heritage of AYUSH is preserved and propagated for future generations.
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