Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, has suggested a plan to have an Ayush doctor visit the schools each month to deal with students’ health problems. He was speaking during the multi-stakeholder national consultation organized by NITI Aayog on July 27, 2023, concerning strengthening school health services.
In his address, he emphasized the need to include multiple modalities in health care services in schools. He also mentioned that thirteen states have adopted and contacted the Ministry for the implementation of school health ayurvidya programs, increasing awareness of Ayush through the curriculum.
The consultation was held to elicit ideas for developing a comprehensive, all-encompassing national program for school health services. It included representatives from states, UTs, and ministries of Health, Ayush, Education, and Women and Child Development.
The meeting emphasized the rationale for prioritizing the health needs of children in the age group of 6-18 years, as they will eventually form part of the human capital for a smart and healthy India. NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. V. K. Paul said that in today’s age schooling should be viewed through the lens of optimal health of children.
The inclusion of Ayush in the school curriculum has been envisaged as part of the Nation Education Policy 2020, which will celebrate its third anniversary on July 29, 2023.
