Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal has introduced several initiatives to enhance the capacity of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) in Shillong.
Sonowal inaugurated a Guest House and laid the foundation stones for an administrative building, a pharmacy Building, and a boundary wall with a periphery road at NEIAH. He emphasised the government’s commitment to bolster healthcare infrastructure in the Northeast, with over ₹145 crore invested in 2023-24 for capacity expansion.
Sonowal highlighted NEIAH’s plans to establish Ayurveda and Homoeopathy Peripheral OPD at Smit, East Khasi Hills, catering to people from 20 villages. He reiterated the objective of Ayush’s resurgence movement: “Heal in India, healed by India.”
The newly inaugurated Guest House offers accommodation and conference facilities while upcoming projects include an administrative building, a pharmacy Building, and a boundary wall with a periphery road, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and research capabilities.
Sonowal emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting tribal healing practices and empowering communities, with an investment exceeding ₹145 crore in NEIAH’s capacity expansion.
Additionally, Sonowal announced the launch of Peripheral OPD services in Smit, benefiting approximately 40,000 residents. NEIAH has initiated programmes like Swarnabindu Prashan Sanskar to address health issues such as Iron Deficiency Anemia among tribal females.
Dr. Munjapara Mahendra, Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development, virtually participated in the event, underscoring the significance of these initiatives. Other dignitaries present included Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof PS Shukla, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Ayush BK Singh, and NEIAH Director Prof Neeta Maheskar.