Aware about presence of 300 medicinal plants in Kashmir: MoS Ayush Ministry

Baramulla, Sep 16: The Government of India Thursday said that it was informed by the experts in Kashmir about the presence of at least 300 medicinal plants while the Ayush Ministry has already started taking necessary steps to establish a scientific research center for required study on the same.
This was stated by Sarbanda Sonowal, the Minister of State (MoS) for Ports Shipping, Waterways, and Ayush, during his visit to the north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The MoS is on two days visit to the district.
Addressing a news conference on the side-lines of the event at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, the MoS said that this was his maiden visit to Kashmir as the Union Minister and this visit is aimed at the betterment and prosperity of Kashmir.
“Entire country is heading towards prosperity under the able leadership of the Prime Minister as everyone is getting an equal chance in the process of prosperity and development,” he said.
About the Ayush Ministry, he said that he reviewed the ground situation of the concerned department in the valley in presence of the director and others including the doctors related to the facilities and infrastructure available.
The Union Minister assured that all that is required to be done in Baramulla and the Kashmir valley was also discussed during the meeting and it will be considered and appropriate action will be taken be it related to the dispensary or health and wellness centers and hospital
“Experts in Kashmir informed me about the presence of around 300 medicinal plants in the Valley. Ayush ministry will take necessary steps to set up a scientific research centre for studying the benefits of plants available in the Valley,” he said. “Once the research is done, the plants will be used to treat various diseases of people.”
He said that “We have taken steps to give financial assistance of 90 percent to the students of Government Ayush Medical College Akhnoor Jammu and Government Unani and Medical college Ganderbal in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The MoS said that 50 bed integrated Ayush Hospital at Kupwara, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Samba have been announced and granted by the Ayush Ministry.”
He also informed that 35 Ayush Dispensaries have been recommended for up-gradation besides their repair and renovation. “571 health and wellness centers have also been sanctioned. High altitude medicinal plants in Chenab valley will also be sanctioned and the central government will take necessary steps”, the MoS said.
The Minister also said that the central government is taking steps forward for Unani, Ayurveda, Ayush, and others to identify the useful items in every part of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Andhra Pardesh to Gujrat under the Ministry and help the humans with different medicines not only here rather across the world.
He informed that he will be visiting different parts of India in days to come since the acceptability of Ayush items is increasing abroad even in countries like America and others and is expected to increase more besides people are reposing their faith in these products.
“People believe that they are benefitted more from these Ayush products and the government is working on it besides the Ministry will work and ensure people are aware of these products”, he said.
He further said that the Ayush ministry wants to involve more and more people in Yoga since its beneficial to human health for their prosperity in life.