N.N Vohra, the Governor stressed on enlarging the research base in the traditional health sector to bolster the ancient Indian System of Medicines. He said this during the Valedictory function of the 4 day AROGYA –Mela 2013 (21-24 December ) being held at Parade Ground, Jammu.Mrs Usha Vohra, the First Lady, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Health, Mr Gazzanfar Hussain, State Health Secretary and Dr. Ravi, Joint Director Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.The Governor termed the ongoing AROGYA-Mela a comprehensive Health Fair on Ayurveda,Yoga,Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa- Rigpa and Homeopathy and a very encouraging step towards the revival of the traditional systems of medicine. He congratulated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Directorate of Indian System of Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir and Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan for the successful organization of the Mela. The Governor observed that more such initiatives should be taken by the State Health Department to popularize the traditional healthcare systems.
Referring to the effectiveness of the traditional systems of medicine and health, the Governor said that our indigenous medicinal systems, which had been existing in the country since ancient times, were suppressed during the period of colonial rule. He observed that considering the value and effectiveness of these time tested medical systems the time had come to reinvigorate them to their fullest potential, for the welfare of millions of people in India. Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Health, said that the Health Department is making planned efforts in generating awareness among the people about the Indian System of Medicine and in every District Hospital of the State there is a 10 bedded unit of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha,Homeopathy) and all Primary and Community Health Centres in the State have ‘AYUSH’ Units.
Earlier, the Governor, the First Lady and Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan visited the stalls set up by 45 manufacturers of indigenous systems of medicine and enquired about the types of medicines, patents registered, and the innovations taking place in their respective Pharmacies.
Dr. K.Ravi, Joint Director AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India presented the welcome address and highlighted the attractions and achievements of the AROGYA-Mela 2013.He said that in the past 3 days about 5000 persons had availed free health check up and free medicines.Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, Director, Indian Systems of Medicine presented a Vote of Thanks.Besides, Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Mission Director NRHM, Dr. Baljeet S. Pathania, Director Health Jammu, were present on the occasion.