New Delhi: HL July 22, 2026
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, has proposed expanding AYUSH treatment services across Military and Field Hospitals by establishing dedicated AYUSH Outpatient Departments (OPDs) for defence personnel.
In a letter addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Jadhav recommended integrating AYUSH services into the Armed Forces Medical Services to complement the existing healthcare system. The proposal aims to improve preventive healthcare, promote healthy lifestyles, support rehabilitation, and provide holistic wellness options for soldiers serving in diverse and demanding operational environments.
The minister noted that while a few defence healthcare institutions currently offer AYUSH services, many Military and Field Hospitals do not have dedicated facilities for traditional systems of medicine. Expanding these services, he said, would improve access to evidence-based AYUSH treatments and strengthen overall healthcare delivery for Armed Forces personnel.
According to the proposal, AYUSH therapies could play a significant role in preventive care, stress management, lifestyle-related health issues, recovery support, and long-term wellness, alongside modern medical treatment.
Jadhav also stated that the Ministry of AYUSH is ready to provide technical expertise, professional guidance, and institutional support to implement the initiative. The ministry has expressed willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Defence to facilitate the rollout of AYUSH OPDs in military healthcare institutions.
The proposed collaboration is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote an integrative healthcare model by combining modern medicine with India’s traditional systems of healthcare, while extending these benefits to the country’s Armed Forces.
