In a significant push to strengthen India’s traditional medicine ecosystem, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling met Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav on Tuesday and submitted a comprehensive proposal for establishing an All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the state.
Dr. Mahaling presented a detailed roadmap to the Union Minister, highlighting Odisha’s rich cultural and medicinal heritage. He emphasised that AYUSH systems form an inseparable part of the state’s ancient healing traditions, focusing on preventive healthcare, holistic wellness and healthy lifestyles.
The proposal gains importance following the Union Budget announcement, under which the AYUSH Ministry has begun the process of setting up three new AIIA campuses through the challenge method. Odisha has already responded to the Ministry’s letter by submitting a complete proposal that meets all required criteria and commitments.
As part of the proposal, the state government has directed revenue officials to identify nearly 100 acres of suitable government land near Bhubaneswar. The identified site offers excellent road, rail and air connectivity, making it ideal for a national-level institution.
Dr. Mahaling underlined Odisha’s strategic location in Eastern India and its emergence as a major hub for healthcare and higher education. He noted that Bhubaneswar’s conducive environment and strong connectivity infrastructure make the state an excellent choice for this prestigious national institute.
Currently, there is no national-level AYUSH institute in Eastern or Central India. The proposed AIIA in Odisha would not only address the state’s growing healthcare and education needs but also serve the vast population across Eastern and Central India.
The institute is envisioned as a Centre of Excellence for Ayurveda education, advanced clinical care, research, innovation and capacity building. It is expected to play a transformative role in expanding access to quality AYUSH services in the region.
Expressing confidence in the proposal, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said he hopes the Central Government will approve Odisha’s request and grant the new AIIA campus to the state.
This development marks a major step forward in positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s traditional medicine landscape while contributing to the national goal of integrating AYUSH into mainstream healthcare.
