| UP set to emerge as health tourism hub through AYUSH, Yoga | | |  Early Times Report
LUCKNOW, June 28: Yoga and AYUSH have long been central to India's cultural and wellness traditions, and the world is now increasingly embracing their benefits. The celebration of International Yoga Day across nearly 175 countries on June 21 stands as a powerful symbol of this global recognition. Yoga and Ayurveda, being complementary systems, fuel each other's growth. This synergy is evident in the numbers-since the announcement of International Yoga Day, the number of yoga practitioners has surged by 35%, with nearly 25 crore people currently engaged in yoga training. Consequently, the market for yoga and Ayurveda-related products has expanded. In India, the Ayurveda product market has reached Rs 12,000 crore, while the yoga-related products market has touched Rs 48,000 crore and is projected to reach Rs 87,500 crore soon.
India is already benefiting from this global popularity, and due to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's personal interest in both disciplines, Uttar Pradesh is expected to benefit the most. The state is set to emerge as a hub for health tourism through yoga and AYUSH. Anticipating this potential, the Yogi government began preparations early. In this context, President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the state's first AYUSH university named after Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath in Gorakhpur on June 30. It is noteworthy that the foundation stone was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind on August 21, 2021. Post-inauguration, the university will function at full capacity to provide holistic healthcare. A regular vice-chancellor has already been appointed, and outpatient services are currently operational. The university is located in Pipri (Bhatat), Gorakhpur.
Ayodhya's AYUSH and Varanasi's Homeopathic Colleges to begin operations soon
Apart from the AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, a Government Ayurvedic College in Ayodhya and a Government Homeopathic College in Varanasi will also start functioning soon. Currently, the state has 2,110 Ayurvedic, 254 Unani, and 1,585 Homeopathic hospitals. There are also 8 Ayurvedic colleges with affiliated hospitals, 2 Unani colleges with hospitals, and 9 Homeopathic colleges with associated hospitals and wellness centres.
CM Yogi's views on AYUSH
CM Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly stated that AYUSH is not only vital for holistic wellness, but also holds immense potential for employment through health tourism. The AYUSH University will regulate other institutions in the field, bring uniformity to courses, and enhance their utility. This will improve the quality of education and boost research and innovation. The Yogi government has already established an AYUSH board to promote this system of medicine. |
|
