SRINAGAR: All 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir are now operational, having provided services to more than 1.03 crore beneficiaries between 2021 and 2025. This information was conveyed by the Union Ministry of Ayush to the Lok Sabha.
The Chenab Times has learned that the initiative is part of a larger national effort to upgrade existing Ayush dispensaries and sub-health centres. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, stated in a written reply that 12,500 such centres across India have been converted into Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, subsequently renamed Ayushman Arogya Mandir, under the Centrally Sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM).
Jammu and Kashmir accounts for a significant portion of these upgraded facilities, with all 523 approved centres in the Union Territory actively functioning. In contrast, Ladakh has no approved or operational AAM (Ayush) centres under this scheme. The data indicates that beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir accessed a total of 1,03,38,837 services from these centres over the five-year period. The utilization figures show a gradual increase, with zero services recorded in 2021, followed by 26,85,966 in 2022, 30,18,269 in 2023, 24,12,595 in 2024, and 22,22,007 in 2025.
The Ministry of Ayush explained that the enhanced services at AAM (Ayush) facilities extend beyond basic outpatient care. These centres now offer comprehensive wellness services, including Prakriti Parikshan (constitution assessment), yoga-related activities at both facility and community levels, and public awareness campaigns on the use of common medicinal plants. This expansion of services has contributed to the increased footfall at these centres.
The implementation of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) is primarily the responsibility of the respective State and Union Territory governments. The Central government, through NAM guidelines, provides support for infrastructure development and manpower to improve accessibility and ensure the effective functioning of Ayush services nationwide. The effectiveness and implementation of AAM (Ayush) centres are subject to regular review through third-party assessments conducted by NITI Aayog and NABH, as well as site visits by Central teams to various states and UTs.
Regarding potential delays in sanctioned projects, including integrated Ayush hospitals and educational institutions, the Ministry noted that administrative bottlenecks often hinder progress. These issues are to be addressed by the State and UT governments themselves. The Ministry also pointed out that subsequent installments of central grants may be delayed if states fail to meet the conditions stipulated in the guidelines issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Nationally, Rajasthan leads with the highest number of functional AAM (Ayush) centres at 2,019. Other states with significant numbers of operational centres include Uttar Pradesh (1,034), Madhya Pradesh (800), Jharkhand (745), Himachal Pradesh (740), and Kerala (700). Across the country, all 12,500 approved centres have been reported as functional.
The Chenab Times News Desk