National AYUSH Mission — Free Ayurveda & Yoga Services

What is the National AYUSH Mission (NAM)?

The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is a Government of India scheme to strengthen AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy) healthcare systems and make these services freely accessible to all citizens through government facilities.

Key activities:

• Setting up and upgrading AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries
• Free medicine distribution at government AYUSH centres
• Yoga and wellness centres in every district
• AYUSH integration into the mainstream public health system (PHCs, CHCs)
• Pradhan Mantri National AYUSH Institutions — apex hospitals across the country

What Services Are Free?

At government AYUSH hospitals and health centres:

Medicines prescribed at government AYUSH facilities are provided free from the hospital pharmacy.

Who is Eligible?

All Indian citizens. There is no income limit, no BPL requirement, no registration for outpatient services. Walk in to any government AYUSH hospital or dispensary.

How to Access Services

No Registration Required for OPD

1. Locate your nearest AYUSH facility:

   • Go to ayush.gov.in → "Locate Facility"
   • Or call your District AYUSH Officer
   • Government PHCs and CHCs now have an integrated AYUSH wing in most states

2. Visit during OPD hours (typically 9 AM – 2 PM, Monday–Saturday)

3. Get your prescription from the AYUSH doctor (Vaidya, Homeopath, or Unani practitioner)

4. Collect free medicines from the hospital pharmacy

For Yoga Wellness Centres

Government Yoga and Wellness Centres are set up under NAM in many districts. To join:

1. Visit the nearest government AYUSH hospital or wellness centre
2. Enquire about the yoga schedule
3. Register your name (free of cost)
4. Attend group yoga sessions

Pradhan Mantri National AYUSH Institutions

The government has set up new apex-level AIIMS-equivalent institutions for AYUSH:

These provide super-specialty Ayurvedic care, research, and education at affordable cost.

AYUSH for Specific Conditions

AYUSH treatment is particularly sought for:

• Arthritis, joint pains — Ayurvedic Panchakarma
• Skin diseases — Ayurveda, Homeopathy
• Digestive disorders — Ayurveda, Unani
• Lifestyle diseases (diabetes, BP management) — Yoga + Ayurveda
• Mental health, stress, anxiety — Yoga, Naturopathy
• Post-COVID recovery — Yoga protocols developed by AYUSH Ministry

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are AYUSH medicines really free at government hospitals?

Yes, at government AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries, the medicines prescribed by the AYUSH doctor are dispensed free of cost from the government pharmacy. This does not include additional supplements you choose to buy from private shops.

2. Can I get Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment free?

Panchakarma is available at district/state AYUSH hospitals. Some procedures may have a nominal charge, others are free. Check with your nearest government Ayurveda hospital.

3. I have diabetes. Can AYUSH help me alongside my allopathy medicines?

Yes. You can take AYUSH treatment alongside allopathy. However, do not stop your prescribed allopathy medicines without consulting your doctor. AYUSH is complementary in many chronic conditions.

4. Is there an AYUSH helpline?

You can reach the AYUSH helpline at 14443 (for COVID-related AYUSH queries, but the helpline also handles general AYUSH information).

5. Are Yoga wellness centres different from private yoga studios?

Government Yoga Wellness Centres under NAM are completely free and run by trained instructors. They are different from private yoga studios that charge fees.

Official Links