Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a)        whether it is a fact that Government’s plan to expand and popularize Ayurveda in the country is not up to the expectations of the people;

(b)        the Centre’s budget allocation for the purpose and actual utilization thereof during the last three years ending 31st March, 2007, year-wise; and

(c)        the reasons for the shortage of Ayurvedic doctors under the CGHS in Delhi and elsewhere and the poor availability of medicines under the scheme?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) The budget allocation and utilization for Ayurveda in last three years is as follows:

Amount in Crores

Year                              Budget Allocation            Actual utilization & Final Grant

                                     (BE)

2004-2005                  65.29                                       83.64

2005-2006                  107.32                                     70.73

2006-2007                  94.03                                       82.39

(c) The shortage of Ayurvedic doctors is due to the fact that selection of Ayurvedic doctors being made by the UPSC has been delayed on account of litigation.  As regards Ayurvedic medicines, there has been no shortage of medicines.  However, if any medicine is not available in any dispensary, the same is provided to patients by purchasing from local chemists appointed for the purpose.