Srinagar, Aug 01 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir has 5,447 registered AYUSH doctors, according to data submitted in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of AYUSH.

While this number reflects the official count of practitioners trained in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and Yoga systems, the government has clarified that recruitment, deployment, and retention of AYUSH doctors fall under the responsibility of the UT administration, as public health is a State subject.

The data is based on information collected from State and UT Boards/Councils and reflects the status as of January 1, 2023. The figure places Jammu and Kashmir in the mid-range compared to other Indian states.

In contrast, neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh (96,619), Gujarat (60,998), and Bihar (74,223) have significantly higher numbers of AYUSH practitioners.

The Ministry of AYUSH said that while it does not directly recruit or deploy doctors in UTs, it supports professional development through a Central Sector Scheme named ‘Ayurgyan’.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelUnder this scheme, financial assistance is provided for capacity building, Continuing Medical Education (CME), and upgrading the skills of AYUSH doctors, especially for those serving in rural and underserved areas.

The Ministry also confirmed that there is no direct national plan for mandatory deployment of AYUSH doctors in rural areas. However, it acknowledged that training and support infrastructure must be strengthened in coordination with the UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir if AYUSH services are to reach remote areas more effectively.

At the national level, India has over 7.5 lakh AYUSH registered practitioners, but gaps in accessibility, distribution, and integration with primary health services remain a concern in several states and UTs.

The Ministry said that State and UT Governments must take proactive steps to ensure that AYUSH doctors are not only trained but also given opportunities for long-term service in community health programmes.(KNS)