New Delhi, March 17: The Government of India has approved the establishment of 203 Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) and 383 new Ayush dispensaries across various states and Union Territories under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to strengthen traditional healthcare infrastructure in the country.
Launched in 2014–15, the centrally sponsored scheme is being implemented through state and Union Territory governments with the aim of promoting and developing Ayush systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The mission provides financial assistance for setting up 50-, 30-, and 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals, along with Ayush dispensaries based on proposals submitted by states through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs).
According to the Ministry of Ayush, the approvals have been granted to expand access to traditional healthcare services in different parts of the country. The projects are part of the Centre’s broader efforts to integrate Ayush systems into the public health framework and improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions.
Among the states, Rajasthan has received the highest number of approvals for Integrated Ayush Hospitals with 33 units, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 25, Maharashtra with 14, and Madhya Pradesh with 13 hospitals. Other states such as Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Manipur have also been sanctioned multiple facilities to strengthen Ayush-based healthcare infrastructure.
Several northeastern states have also received approvals under the scheme, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, reflecting the government’s focus on expanding traditional medicine services in the region. Union Territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry have also been included in the plan.
In addition to hospitals, 383 new Ayush dispensaries have been approved nationwide. Uttar Pradesh accounts for the largest share with 250 dispensaries, followed by Assam with 100 units. Other states including Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have also been allotted dispensaries under the programme.
To support the implementation of these initiatives, the Centre has released ₹424.24 crore as grant-in-aid to states and Union Territories during the current financial year as part of the central share under the mission. The funds are intended for carrying out approved activities under the respective State Annual Action Plans.
The information was shared by **Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 13, 2026.
The expansion of Ayush hospitals and dispensaries is expected to enhance access to traditional healthcare services and strengthen the integration of Ayush systems within India’s broader public health network.
