AYUSH services see sharp growth

16.22 lakh patient visits in six months

Metro India News | AMARAVATI : Andhra Pradesh’s AYUSH medical services have recorded significant growth during the first six months of the current financial year, registering 16.22 lakh outpatient (OP) visits and 9,230 inpatient (IP) admissions, according to the State Health Department. The OP visits account for 65% of the total recorded during the entire previous financial year, while IP admissions have reached 71% of last year’s total, reflecting an expansion in the delivery of AYUSH services, the department said. Staff attendance has also improved from 79.32% to 81.89%.

The department attributed the progress to measures taken under the supervision of Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, including improved medicine availability, medical camps in rural areas, recruitment of doctors and strengthening of hospital infrastructure.

To improve access in remote and rural areas, medical camps are being conducted twice a week. Officials are identifying dispensaries that lack doctors or remain closed and appointing in-charges to ensure uninterrupted services. Quality AYUSH medicines are also being made available to patients.

Recruitment under the National AYUSH Mission includes 12 homeopathic doctors and three Unani doctors. The department conducts review meetings every Tuesday to monitor outpatient services and assess progress against targets.

Four major AYUSH medical colleges and teaching hospitals, comprising one Ayurveda and three homeopathy institutions, are providing healthcare services. These include Dr Gururaju Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Gudivada and teaching hospitals attached to government Ayurveda and homeopathy colleges.

The institutions have conducted 21,420 laboratory tests, 148 X-rays and 475 ECG examinations to improve diagnostic access and facilitate timely treatment.

The State has secured approval for ₹185.75 crore under the National AYUSH Mission, described by the department as the highest approved allocation in its history. Of this, ₹38.18 crore was utilised during the first six months of the current financial year.

An additional allocation of approximately ₹22 crore has been sanctioned under the State Annual Action Plan for 2026–27. The funds are being used to expand services, recruit medical personnel and improve infrastructure, AYUSH Director Ronanki Gopalakrishna said.