Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has indicated action on the demand to increase the stipend of AYUSH interns, while underlining the state government’s focus on Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine.
Speaking at the state-level programme for the 11th National Ayurveda Day at Pandit Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurveda College and Institute in Bhopal, the Chief Minister directed the AYUSH Minister to take appropriate action on the demand for a higher stipend for AYUSH interns.
During the programme, Dr Yadav also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 25 new AYUSH hospitals, dispensaries and college buildings involving projects worth ₹185.50 crore. The programme included the launch of 12 AYUSH buildings and the inauguration of an AYUSH college in Dindori built at a cost of ₹102 crore.
The event also saw the unveiling of the new name ‘AYUSH Arogyam Dham’ for AYUSH wellness tourism centres and the opening of the Herbal Garden of State Importance at Pandit Khushilal Sharma College to the public.
CM Highlights Ayurveda’s Place in Indian Lifestyle
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Ayurveda has been part of Indian culture and lifestyle for centuries.
He referred to everyday practices involving food and spices, including the traditional use of turmeric, to highlight the connection between Indian lifestyle practices and Ayurveda.
Dr Yadav also spoke about the growing attention to yoga and Ayurveda and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership with efforts to promote both systems at the national and international levels.
The 11th Ayurveda Day is being observed on September 23, 2026, with the national theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The Ministry of Ayush has planned celebrations across India and abroad, with an emphasis on research, innovation, evidence and community wellbeing.
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AYUSH Interns’ Stipend Demand Gets Attention
One of the key announcements at the Madhya Pradesh event concerned the stipend paid to AYUSH interns.
AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar said that the stipend given to AYUSH interns needs to be increased on the lines of medical students. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the AYUSH Minister would be given appropriate directions on the matter.
The announcement indicates that the government is considering the demand, although the specific revised stipend amount was not announced at the event.
For AYUSH students, a higher stipend could provide additional financial support during the internship period and bring the stipend structure closer to that followed for other medical students, subject to the government’s final decision.
₹185.50 Crore AYUSH Infrastructure Projects
The state government also used the Ayurveda Day programme to expand its AYUSH infrastructure.
Dr Yadav inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 25 new AYUSH hospitals, dispensaries and college buildings worth ₹185.50 crore.
Among the projects is a new AYUSH college in Dindori, developed at an estimated cost of ₹102 crore. The programme also included the launch of 12 AYUSH buildings across the state.
The expansion is aimed at strengthening the infrastructure available for traditional systems of healthcare as well as AYUSH education and services in Madhya Pradesh.
The state government has also started work on several new Ayurveda colleges. According to AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar, Madhya Pradesh had seven Ayurveda and two Homeopathy and Unani colleges up to 2023. Eight new Ayurveda colleges are currently under construction, while another Ayurveda college has received approval from the Government of India.
With these additions, the state is expected to have 18 colleges under the AYUSH department covering the three systems of medicine.
AYUSH and Wellness Tourism Get a Push
The government is also linking AYUSH with tourism and wellness services.
During the programme, the Chief Minister unveiled the new identity AYUSH Arogyam Dham for the state’s AYUSH wellness tourism centres.
Madhya Pradesh has been developing wellness facilities at important tourist destinations, with the government seeking to connect tourism with AYUSH-based services.
The approach can create opportunities for wellness-related services while giving visitors access to traditional healthcare and lifestyle practices.
The Chief Minister also opened the Herbal Garden of State Importance at Pandit Khushilal Sharma College for public access. Such facilities can provide opportunities for people and students to learn about medicinal plants and their traditional uses.
AYUSH Budget Has Increased, Says CM
Dr Yadav said the state has significantly increased the budget allocation for the AYUSH Department compared with 2002-03.
According to the Chief Minister, the AYUSH budget has increased 16 times compared with that period. He also highlighted the development of new Ayurveda colleges and wellness centres across the state.
He traced the development of Ayurveda infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh to the early 20th century, noting that the first Ayurveda building in the state was established in Gwalior in 1916. Three more buildings were established in Jabalpur, Indore and Ujjain in 1972, followed by developments in Burhanpur and the establishment of the Pandit Khushilal Sharma college in Bhopal in 1995.
Dr Yadav also referred to the expansion of the global AYUSH market, saying its estimated size has grown from around $3 billion in 2014 to $43 billion.
1,700-Plus Ayurveda Dispensaries Operating
AYUSH Minister Inder Singh Parmar said the state currently has more than 1,700 Ayurveda dispensaries.
He said the government is also working to expand medical and Ayurveda education infrastructure. Yoga classes have been started at various facilities to make yoga accessible to citizens.
The minister also said Ayurvedic medicines are being distributed for sickle cell treatment. Such claims relate to the state’s AYUSH initiatives and should be understood within the applicable medical guidance and evidence for individual treatments.
At the national level, the Ministry of Ayush has been focusing on strengthening Ayurveda through education, scientific research, quality standards and integration with wider healthcare services. As of September 19, 2026, more than 12,000 Ayush Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were functional across the country, according to the Union government.
Focus on Ayurveda, Education and Healthcare Infrastructure
The Madhya Pradesh government’s Ayurveda Day programme combined three areas: expansion of AYUSH infrastructure, development of medical education and promotion of wellness services.
The proposed action on AYUSH interns’ stipend is particularly relevant for students entering the profession, while new hospitals, dispensaries and college buildings are aimed at expanding the infrastructure supporting AYUSH education and healthcare.
The focus on wellness tourism and public access to herbal resources adds another dimension to the state’s AYUSH strategy.
As Ayurveda Day 2026 is observed nationally under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” Madhya Pradesh’s initiatives place emphasis on expanding institutions, training opportunities and public-facing AYUSH facilities.
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