Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, said the proposal to launch government-regulated AYUSH medical stores has received a green signal at the highest level, with only formal approvals pending. Speaking to Lokmat Times, union MOS Jadhav said these stores will ensure the availability of authentic Ayurvedic medicines at reasonable and regulated rates, addressing concerns over high prices and counterfeit products.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, public inclination towards Ayurveda and other traditional treatment systems has increased. Emphasising the need for government oversight, Jadhav said medicines must be made available through regulated channels to maintain quality, authenticity, and affordability. In line with initiatives such as the “Hinduhṛday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana,” the government plans to launch “Aaple Sarkar AYUSH Hospitals.” Dedicated AYUSH medicine centres will also be started to improve public access to certified medicines. Jadhav reiterated that efforts are underway to establish an Ayurveda-focused institution on the lines of AIIMS in Maharashtra. On Sunday, he inaugurated the Ayurvedic Unit at the CGHS Wellness Centre in the GST Bhavan premises in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
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Global recognition for Ayurveda
Referring to a recent international conference, Jadhav said India’s Ayurvedic heritage has received a positive response from several countries. He added that dedicated AYUSH Chairs have already been established in 15 countries to promote traditional Indian systems of medicine globally.
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Why regulated AYUSH medical stores are necessary
Jadhav pointed out that authentic Ayurvedic medicines are often expensive and fake or substandard products have appeared in the market. He noted that many newly qualified practitioners do not manufacture medicines themselves, increasing dependence on private suppliers. “To address these issues, government-regulated AYUSH medical stores operating through a public–private partnership model are necessary,” he said, adding that this system will ensure quality control, affordability, and public trust.