Patiala, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday said the Bhagwant Mann-led state government had undertaken a major revamp of the Ayurveda Department and initiated measures to strengthen Ayurvedic healthcare and education across the state.
Addressing a state-level function at Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala, organised to mark the 11th National Ayurveda Day, Dr Balbir Singh said the government had taken several steps to revive institutions and expand services associated with Ayurveda. This year’s National Ayurveda Day was observed under the theme, “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The minister said that, for the first time since 1954, 23 regular teachers and a principal had been appointed at Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala. He also said a Vice-Chancellor and specialist staff had been appointed at Guru Ravidas Ayurvedic University.
According to Dr Balbir Singh, the government had procured Ayurvedic medicines worth Rs 7.7 crore, renovated seven government Ayurvedic dispensaries and floated another tender worth Rs 10 crore for strengthening Ayurvedic services.
On the occasion, the minister launched the ‘Ayurveda Chatbot’ and called upon Ayurvedic doctors to adopt around 20 villages during the first phase. He suggested that comparative studies be undertaken to assess treatment through Ayurveda alongside other systems of medicine.
Dr Balbir Singh said unhealthy dietary practices and lifestyles were contributing to serious health problems. He said Ayurveda offered an approach that regarded food as medicine and sought to address illnesses at their root.
He said the Punjab Government was committed to promoting the state’s traditional medical system and described Ayurveda as an ancient and scientific medical tradition. The government, he added, had also set a target of establishing Navgraha Vatika in villages across Punjab.
Guru Ravidas Ayurvedic University Vice-Chancellor Dr Sanjeev Sood, Registrar Dr Sanjeev Goyal, Director of Ayurveda Dr Raman Khanna, CM Yogshala coordinators Amresh Kumar and Kamlesh Mishra, Government Ayurvedic College Principal Dr Chandra Shekhar Sharma, along with senior officials, Ayurvedic medical officers and students, attended the event.
Photo Caption: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh at the 11th National Ayurveda Day function at Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala.
FOLLOW NOW
