SC notice to Centre on plea to include ayurveda, yoga in Ayushman Bharat
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking inclusion of ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy in the national Ayushman Bharat scheme.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued the notice to the Centre and others on the petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.
The plea, which sought inclusion of the practices in PM-JAY, also known as Ayushman Bharat, said the inclusion would allow a significant portion of the country's population to avail affordable healthcare benefits and wellness in various serious diseases, apart from providing employment to many working in the field of Ayurveda.
Ayushman Bharat, which was launched in 2018, has two main components -- PM-JAY and Health and Wellness Centres.
The former provides for a cashless health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per BPL family every year.
The petitioner sought the scheme to be implemented in all states and the Indian healthcare systems.
"PM-JAY, that is, Ayushman Bharat predominantly covers and is limited to allopathic hospitals and dispensaries, while India boasts various indigenous medical systems, including ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, siddha, unani, homeopathy, which are rooted in India's rich traditions and are highly effective in addressing the healthcare needs of the present time," it said.
The plea claimed due to various "policies created by foreign rulers" and "individuals with a colonial mindset" India's cultural and intellectual knowledge, besides scientific heritage, had systematically eroded.
"These foreigners, motivated by a profit-oriented approach, have thoughtfully implemented many laws and schemes during the time of our country's independence that have slowly undermined our rich heritage and history," it alleged.
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DCM DK Shivakumar accuses BJP of targeting Siddaramaiah politically
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political career. Speaking to the media near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar described Siddaramaiah as "the strongest mass leader in the state" and claimed the BJP is making efforts to politically "finish him."
“Siddaramaiah is a prominent mass leader of Karnataka, and that is precisely why the BJP is trying to neutralize his influence,” said Shivakumar. He went on to suggest that this was part of a larger strategy by the BJP to target Congress and opposition leaders across the country.
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When asked about recent allegations made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Shivakumar remarked that he was not fully informed on the matter. However, he suggested that Vijayan’s comments were likely motivated by fears of an electoral defeat. “Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, and the Congress party believes in bringing together people from all walks of life. Her decision has received appreciation from the people of Kerala, including those in Wayanad,” he added, referring to her recent initiatives in the state.
