Jammu and Kashmir approves ambitious action plan to boost AYUSH infrastructure and wellness tourism
SRINAGAR, June 2, 2026 :- Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired the Governing Body Meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir AYUSH Society under the National AYUSH Mission, approving the State Annual Action Plan for 2026-27 for onward submission to the central government.
The meeting, attended by senior administrative officials, focused on expanding holistic healthcare and positioning the region as a premier wellness tourism destination. The chief secretary called for the formulation of a robust wellness policy in collaboration with private stakeholders, drawing inspiration from states like Kerala to leverage the globally acclaimed tourist spots of Jammu and Kashmir.
The department has been directed to ensure that major AYUSH public welfare programmes are available in every medical college and district hospital across the Union Territory. These initiatives cover musculoskeletal disorders, geriatric healthcare, palliative services, and maternal interventions.
The chief secretary stressed the need to enhance outreach so that benefits reach the maximum number of people, while also calling for strict monitoring mechanisms and regular inspections of healthcare facilities. Additionally, the department will establish herbal gardens in government institutions and involve local self-help groups in processing medicinal herbs to create regional livelihood opportunities.
To improve academic standards, the administration plans to expedite faculty recruitment for AYUSH colleges through designated agencies. Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar advised the department to focus on consolidating existing facilities to deliver a wider range of services under one roof rather than spreading resources too thin.
He also advocated for integrating AYUSH interventions into rehabilitation efforts for drug abuse victims to actively support the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan. Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education M Raju outlined the roadmap for expanding services, noting that the plan was formulated after extensive local consultations to improve infrastructure and capacity.
Director AYUSH Ajay Kumar Tikoo informed the governing body that the region has proposed a comprehensive action plan amounting to 91.997 crore rupees, which exceeds the tentative central resource envelope of 58.539 crore rupees due to increasing demand and satisfactory previous fund utilization.
This proposed budget includes strengthening 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines, and accelerating the completion of new healthcare facilities in underserved areas. To streamline implementation, the governing body approved the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir AYUSH Society and discussed manpower engagement under the National AYUSH Mission.