Goa government forms separate department for ayurveda, homeopathy

The Goa government on Friday announced the formation of a separate department -- AYUSH -- to implement parallel system of medicine like ayurveda and homeopathy in the state's health system.

"The focus would be on creating a parallel system on lines with the Directorate of Health Services which is catering to Allopathy. We would have clinics of ayurveda and homeopathy across the government hospitals," Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza told reporters emerging from the state Cabinet meeting.

The state Cabinet approved 38 posts for AYUSH department like deputy director, ayurveda and homeopathy physicians. D'Souza said the state will also be home to All India Naturopathy Centre and AYUSH Research Centre.

He said AYUSH facilities would be introduced in district hospitals at the initial stage and later in sub-district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres. "The deputy director (AYUSH) is required to monitor and expand AYUSH facilities across the state through the district hospitals," the minister said.