Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4 (UDN): Odisha has made significant progress in strengthening its traditional healthcare infrastructure, with 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush) now operational across the state under the National Ayush Mission (NAM), the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Kumar Ray, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav said the facilities were established by upgrading existing AYUSH dispensaries, including Ayurveda units, into Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, now designated as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Ayush).

The minister said the upgradation was carried out under the Centrally Sponsored National Ayush Mission, based on proposals submitted by the Odisha Government through its State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs). According to the state government, all 422 centres are fully functional and are delivering holistic healthcare services through various AYUSH systems of medicine.

District-wise data shows Ganjam leading the state with 42 operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, followed by Balasore (34), Bhadrak (25), Mayurbhanj (23) and Keonjhar (22). Balangir, Nayagarh and Puri have 21 centres each, while Bargarh and Khordha have 18 each.

Other districts include Cuttack (17), Dhenkanal (16), Angul and Jajpur (15 each), Jharsuguda (14), Sundargarh (13), Kalahandi and Kendrapara (11 each), Jagatsinghpur (10) and Sambalpur (9). Kandhamal and Koraput have seven centres each, Gajapati and Nuapada have five each, while Nabarangpur and Subarnapur have four centres each.

The Union Minister reiterated that public health is primarily a State subject, and decisions regarding the establishment of new wellness centres are taken by the respective state governments. The Centre, however, continues to provide financial assistance under the National Ayush Mission to strengthen AYUSH infrastructure and expand access to traditional healthcare services.

The operationalisation of 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is expected to improve access to preventive, promotive and holistic healthcare across Odisha, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while supporting the integration of traditional systems of medicine into the state’s public health framework.