Centre approves ₹185.75 cr. for expansion of AYUSH services in Andhra Pradesh
Highest allocation under NAM since its inception in 2014; funds to strengthen dispensaries, mobile medical units, education and wellness services across the State
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Context
The Union government, under the (NAM), has approved ₹185.75 crore for Andhra Pradesh for 2026-27 to strengthen traditional medicine systems. This allocation, the highest since the mission's launch in 2014, will fund Mobile Medical Units in tribal areas, digitisation of dispensaries, an AYUSH Sports Medicine Centre, and improved educational infrastructure. The state had not received NAM allocations for the three preceding financial years.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance
The allocation under the highlights the Centre-State dynamics in implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). In a CSS, funding is shared between the Union and the States (typically 60:40 or 90:10 for special category states), but implementation rests with the State government. The fact that Andhra Pradesh received zero allocation between 2021 and 2024 points to potential governance bottlenecks, such as non-utilisation of previous funds, failure to submit utilisation certificates, or lack of state matching grants—common issues in CSS implementation. The resumption of funds and the planned infrastructure upgrades, including digitisation and the establishment of an AYUSH Sports Medicine Centre, demonstrate an attempt to revive the state's traditional medicine infrastructure. For UPSC, understanding the mechanisms of CSS funding and the reasons for fund withholding is crucial for analysing cooperative federalism.
Social
The initiative targets specific vulnerable populations, reflecting an inclusive approach to healthcare delivery. The deployment of 19 Mobile Medical Units across nine Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) addresses the chronic issue of accessibility in healthcare for remote communities. These areas often suffer from a shortage of allopathic doctors and infrastructure; integrating AYUSH practitioners provides a culturally acceptable and practical alternative. Furthermore, the establishment of alcohol de-addiction centres in teaching hospitals and yoga wellness centres in major prisons targets critical mental health and substance abuse issues, expanding the scope of traditional medicine beyond physical ailments. This aligns with the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage by strengthening primary healthcare and making diverse treatment modalities available to marginalised groups.
Health & Public Health
The expansion of AYUSH services in Andhra Pradesh is a practical application of the pluralistic healthcare system model promoted by the . By investing in modernising 64 dispensaries and providing free medicines at 712 locations, the government aims to mainstream traditional medicine. This approach reduces the burden on the tertiary allopathic healthcare system by managing chronic and lifestyle diseases through holistic methods like Yoga and Panchakarma. The planned 100-bed Central Research Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy will further evidence-based research in traditional systems, addressing a key criticism of AYUSH disciplines regarding scientific validation. This integration is vital for achieving the health outcomes envisioned in the .