Biren, Sonowal inaugurate 50-bedded AYUSH Hospital in Manipur

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh together with Union minister of ports, shipping, waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal took part in a Presentation on Phytopharmaceutical mission to promote the documentation, scientific, validation and evaluation of traditional healthcare practices of NE India at Indian Medical Association (IMA) Hall, Lamphelpat.

The two leaders inaugurated a 50-bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital at Moreh through video conference.

Biren stressed the need for formulating a scientific plan to systematically grow indigenous medical plants for large scale production. He also mentioned the need to explore the skills and knowledge of traditional healers like Maiba and Maibi in a more scientific manner.

He said he would convene a joint deliberation of the scientists and officials of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Directorate of AYUSH soon. The chief minister opined that the outcome of the deliberation would be useful in seeking assistance from the Centre in the promotion of AYUSH in the state as well.

He appreciated the staff of the directorate of AYUSH for their contribution in combating Covid-19 pandemic. He observed that the virus is now almost overcome in the state with joint efforts from different sections. However, he also cautioned the public to be careful as a new variant known as Omicron had started spreading in different countries, and some cases had been detected in India as well.

“Screening of passengers had already begun at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in this regard,” Biren said

Jiribam would be rewarded for becoming the district of the State which has achieved 100 per first dose cent vaccination, he added.

Sonowal said that the North East region has been able to demonstrate its potential ever since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. Soon after he assumed charge, Modi expressed his strong commitment to develop the North East region. Now, his commitment has started showing results, and the region is now progressing fast, he added.

Likewise, Biren had also worked hard to bring Manipur on the path of peace and development. He congratulated the chief minister for achieving it within a short period of time. Sonowal opined that the finest gift that the Biren led government has presented to the people of Manipur is peace. As a peaceful atmosphere is there, work culture among people grows on its own, putting the state on the track of progress, he observed.

Appreciating Biren for introducing Chief Minister-gi Hakshel-gi Tengbang (CMHT) for the needy people, Sonowal said it is the right example of service to humanity by the state government under Biren’s leadership. He also congratulated the state government for successful implementation of CM’s Health for All scheme. The Union minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi always says that he is not a Pradhan Mantri, but a Pradhan Sevak. The government of Manipur is working in sync with the PM’s philosophy, he said.

Stating that Manipur has a huge wealth of medicinal plants, the Minister observed that there is need to establish scientific validation if the State has to earn dividends from this resource. The Union Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had upgraded the Ministry of AYUSH from the status of Independent Charge to the Cabinet rank, and also hiked its budget triple times. It shows Shri Modi’s commitment to promote the AYUSH Ministry, he said.

Stating that Manipur is known for women empowerment, Sonowal urged the womenfolk of the state in promoting AYUSH. He also stressed the need to integrate AYUSH and traditional methods to enhance the healthcare system of the country. Sonowal vowed to extend full support to the state government in the AYUSH sector.

IBSD director Prof. Alok K. Mukherjee made a presentation on the Phytopharmaceutical mission at the occasion.

Union inister of state for education and external affairs Dr RK Ranjan Singh, advisor to chief minister (health) Dr S. Ranjan Singh and additional chief secretary (health and family welfare) V. Vumlunmang also attended the function as dignitaries.