AYUSH Ministry Seeks Research Hub at NEIAH, Shillong

Shillong: The Union Ayush ministry intends to turn the North East Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH) here into a "centre of excellence" where it can also become a hub for research in ayurveda and folk medicine for Southeast Asia.

Ayush minister Shripad Yesso Naik and other officials at the North East Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy, Shillong

Laying the foundation stone for the second-phase construction of the institute on Sunday, Ayush minister Shripad Yesso Naik acknowledged the satisfactory performance of the institute since it started functioning in 2016.

He said the institute would be able to produce "quality human resources" to directly benefit the healthcare system of the region.

"This will also motivate people for cultivation and preservation of valuable medicinal plants in the region. It will be also possible to promote and preserve the traditional knowledge of folk medicine," - AYUSH Minister.

The estimated cost for construction under the second phase is around Rs 40.8 crore for an area of 10,481.53 square metres. It will have residential accommodations for students, doctors and staff, besides a guesthouse.

Naik added that the Ayush ministry intends to further develop and provide necessary support to build the institute to a "centre of excellence" to fulfil the needs of national and international communities. 

"The institution is investing itself in sensitising Ayush system in the Northeast by rendering community services through camps in the adjoining areas," Naik said.

He said the institute would undertake Panchakarma technician training as a skill-development programme for the youths of the region.

Saying that the institute could be the hub for research in ayurveda and folk medicine for Southeast Asia, Naik acknowledged the presence of premier institutes such as the North Eastern Hill University (Nehu), National Institute of Technology (NIT) Shillong and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the vicinity which can aid in researches for a better healthcare system in the region.

He said Ayush has the potential for development of the Northeast through healthcare, medical tourism and international trade for cultivation, processing and marketing of medicinal plants based on available flora and fauna.

Source: The Telegraph India | Jul 30, 2018 | https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/ayush-seeks-research-hub-248534