Bengal to have 'Ayush' dispensaries for alternative healthcare

West Bengal government has decided to set up 120 'Ayush' dispensaries in different state-run hospitals for those opting for the alternative healthcare facilities.
The term 'Ayush' is an abbreviation of alternative treatments of Ayurvedic, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
"The decision has been taken in the state Cabinet today," Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya told reporters here.
Out of the 120 'Ayush' dispensaries, 70 have been earmarked for Homoeopathy treatment and 40 for Ayurvedic, besides ten dispensaries for Unani, she said.
"With this the state Cabinet has also approved 360 new posts for appointment for the purpose covering doctors, pharmacist and Group-D staff," Bhattacharya said.

At present the state has altogether 1352 hospitals which provide allopathy treatment to people.
"But only 409 of them have Homoeopathy treatment facilities, besides Ayurvedic treatment facilities in 196 hospitals," the Minister said adding that the addition of 120 'Ayush' dispensaries would extend these facilities.