Despite high awareness, few in Punjab prefer Ayush system

Chandigarh: Despite awareness of the Ayush system of medicine (healthcare practices such as ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, sowa rigpa and homoeopathy) in Punjab, the usage of these traditional systems of medicine remains relatively low.
The first nationwide Ayush survey, conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), revealed that a significant majority of respondents from Punjab, both in rural and urban areas, were familiar with Ayush.Awareness levels were found to be around 90% among those aged 15 and above. However, the proportion of persons who used Ayush during the last 365 days ranged between 30% and 50%.

Only 314 out of 1000 persons in rural areas and 359 in urban areas used Ayush during the last 365 days in Punjab. This is a contrast to the all-India average of 463 per 1,000 persons in rural areas and 529 per 1,000 persons in urban areas.
Neighbouring Haryana and Himachal Pradesh fared better. Above 95% of households in both rural and urban areas in these states have at least one member aware of medicinal plants and home remedies. Furthermore, the survey found that over half of the households in these states, across both rural and urban areas, had used Ayush system for either preventing or treating health conditions in last 365 days.
With 904 persons per 1,000 in urban areas and 872 in rural areas, Himachal Pradesh had the highest percentage of population among all states who have used Ayush for the treatment of ailments during the last 365 days. In Haryana, 749 persons per 1000 population were found to be using Ayush in urban areas, and 726 per 1000 in rural areas.
In all three states, Ayush is predominantly being used for rejuvenation and preventive measures. Of the number of persons per 1,000 using Ayush, 457 in Himachal, 454 in Haryana, and 318 in Punjab used it for rejuvenation.
The main objective of the survey was to evaluate the general population’s awareness and understanding of these traditional medical practices. The survey sought to gather data on the use of Ayush for the prevention and management of different health issues, including its role in prenatal and postnatal care. The survey also aimed to assess households’ familiarity with home remedies, medicinal plants, and indigenous health practices or folk medicine. Another key goal was to ascertain the financial costs borne by households when accessing treatment through the Ayush system of medicines.
In Punjab, Ayush healthcare system comprises facilities at different levels. There are 95 primary healthcare centres and 69 community healthcare centres catering to the basic health needs of the population.
Additionally, 15 district healthcare centres provide people with advanced medical services. Punjab also has 22 centres at or above the block level but below the district level to ensure accessible healthcare.
Haryana’s Ayush health infrastructure consists of 109 primary Ayush healthcare centres and 97 community healthcare centres that offer primary care services. The state also has 21 district health centres for specialised treatment. The state also has 5 health facilities below the block level to reach out to remote areas and ensure healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.