The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking inclusion of ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy in Ayushman Bharat, the national health insurance scheme. The bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora passed the order after the petitioner advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay failed to appear. The plea sought implementation of the scheme in every state and coverage of Indian healthcare systems. It argued that these indigenous medical systems are effective in addressing present healthcare needs and would provide employment opportunities in the field of ayurveda.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking inclusion of ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy in Ayushman Bharat, the national health insurance scheme. The bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora passed the order after the petitioner advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay failed to appear. The plea sought implementation of the scheme in every state and coverage of Indian healthcare systems. It argued that these indigenous medical systems are effective in addressing present healthcare needs and would provide employment opportunities in the field of ayurveda.
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea that sought inclusion of ayurved yoga, and naturopathy in Ayushman Bharat, the national public health insurance scheme. A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan passed the order after none appeared on behalf of the petitioner advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.
On November 2, the high court had issued notice to the Union ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Ayush, Finance and Home Affairs and the Delhi government and asked them to file their counter affidavits in response to the public interest litigation (PIL).
The petition sought inclusion of ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy in the National Health Protection Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), that is, Ayushman Bharat, to secure the right to health of citizens.
Ayushman Bharat, which was launched in 2018, has two main components – PM-JAY and the Health and Wellness Centres.
The plea sought that the scheme be implemented in every state and Indian healthcare systems be covered under it.
“PM-JAY, that is, Ayushman Bharat predominantly covers covers and is limited to allopathic hospitals and dispensaries, while India boasts various indigenous medical systems, including ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, siddha, unani, homeopathy, which are rooted in India’s rich traditions and are highly effective in addressing the healthcare needs of the present time,” it said.
Source: Economic Times
