The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated development works worth ₹414 crore to strengthen the AYUSH sector, with the aim of making the state a hub for traditional medicine. According to Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav, four Ayurveda colleges are being set up in the state at a cost of ₹280 crore, including one each at Dharmavaram and Pithapuram, and a Unani medical college in Proddatur. The Naturopathy Medical College in Visakhapatnam is nearing completion, with all these facilities being developed at ₹70 crore each.
Additionally, integrated AYUSH hospitals will be set up at Tirupati, Giddalur, Nandigama, Tenali, Tekkali, and Rampachodavaram, with an investment of ₹90 crore. The Minister noted that medicinal plants such as moringa and aloe vera have a global demand, and the government is encouraging value addition in agricultural produce through medicinal plants to improve market opportunities for farmers. Medical, Health and Family Welfare Secretary G.
Veerapandian stressed the need for strengthening public confidence in traditional medicine systems by ensuring that products comply with drug regulations. He pointed out that medicinal plants are currently being cultivated on only 30,000 to 35,000 acres in Andhra Pradesh and called for expansion of the acreage. Director of Secondary Health K.V.N.
Chakradhar Babu said many natural remedies are available in household kitchens. He urged people to remain cautious about products marketed under the label ‘natural’ and to verify their quality standards before purchasing.
