SC Issues Notice To Centre, States On Demand To Include Ayurveda And Naturopathy In Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Central Government, states, and union territories on a petition seeking the inclusion of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The court directed responses and set the hearing for three weeks from now. The petition, filed by BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, claims Ayushman Bharat currently focuses only on allopathic facilities. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will assist the court in this matter.

Petition Highlights Exclusion of Indigenous Medicine

Upadhyay’s petition argues that Ayushman Bharat overlooks India’s traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy. He states these indigenous practices, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, are effective in meeting healthcare needs today. According to Upadhyay, the focus on allopathy excludes systems that reflect India’s cultural and scientific heritage. He asserts that colonial policies have marginalized these traditional practices.

Ayushman Bharat’s Existing Structure

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, aims to provide healthcare to economically disadvantaged families. It consists of two components: the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the Health and Wellness Centers. PM-JAY offers health coverage worth ₹5 lakh per family annually, targeting over 12 crore low-income families. The petition claims the current scheme is incomplete and does not align with the Constitution’s fundamental rights. Upadhyay emphasizes that including Ayurveda in Ayushman Bharat would better serve both middle and lower-class families across the country.

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