- NAM, launched in 2014, aims to provide Ayush health care services throughout the country by strengthening and improving Ayush health care services.
- Nature: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ayush
- It includes tradition AYUSH services namely Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
- Report highlighted that number of beneficiaries availing Ayush services through Ayush Health & Wellness Centres (AHWCs) increased from 1.50 Crores (2020-21) to 8.42 Crores (2022-23).
- AHWCs are part of Ayushman Bharat.
- Challenges faced
- Implementation: 69% of the integrated Ayush hospitals approved are yet to be completed.
- Separate Department of Ayush are not opened in some states &UTs.
- Delays in approvals: Finalising the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) and its approval process takes longer
- Multiple roles of an organisation: Same entity (NAM Directorate) performs various roles of policy formulation, regulation, financing, purchasing, and provisioning.
- Implementation: 69% of the integrated Ayush hospitals approved are yet to be completed.
- Key Recommendations
- Implementing stricter Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Ayush products.
- Persuade Private insurance companies to include AYUSH treatments like Panchkarma in their list of approved treatments.
- Extend the period of the scheme beyond FY24 for at least 5 more years.