Srinagar, June 2: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday approved the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) 2026-27 of the J&K AYUSH Society under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) for submission to the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, while calling for expansion of AYUSH services and promotion of wellness tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing the Governing Body meeting of the society, Dulloo emphasized the growing role of AYUSH systems in preventive and holistic healthcare and directed the department to formulate a comprehensive wellness policy in collaboration with private stakeholders.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir's potential as a wellness destination, he said the Union Territory can leverage its world-renowned tourist destinations to attract wellness and healthcare tourism, drawing inspiration from successful models adopted in states such as Kerala, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure the availability of major AYUSH public welfare programmes in all Medical Colleges and District Hospitals across the UT. These include services related to osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, non-communicable diseases, maternal and neonatal care, geriatric healthcare, school health, palliative care and AYUSH mobile medical units.
He stressed the need to widen outreach and strengthen implementation so that the benefits of AYUSH programmes reach people across urban and rural areas. Dulloo also called for regular monitoring of AYUSH institutions, establishment of herbal gardens in government facilities and involvement of Self-Help Groups in processing and value addition of medicinal plants to generate livelihoods and promote indigenous healthcare products.
The Chief Secretary further emphasized expediting faculty recruitment to strengthen AYUSH colleges and improve academic standards.
Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar advised the department to focus on strengthening existing facilities for better service delivery and advocated integrating AYUSH-based interventions into rehabilitation programmes for substance abuse victims under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan.
Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education M. Raju informed the meeting that the proposed action plan aims to expand healthcare infrastructure, strengthen institutions and improve quality healthcare delivery through AYUSH systems across Jammu and Kashmir.
Director AYUSH Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo said the Ministry of AYUSH has indicated a tentative allocation of ₹58.54 crore, while Jammu and Kashmir has proposed projects worth ₹91.99 crore in view of the growing demand for AYUSH services. The plan includes strengthening 523 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, upgrading AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries, ensuring uninterrupted medicine supply and accelerating healthcare projects in underserved areas.
The Governing Body also approved the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the J&K AYUSH Society to strengthen implementation and governance of the National AYUSH Mission.
Reiterating the government's commitment to holistic healthcare, Dulloo stressed the need for enhanced infrastructure, wider outreach and greater public awareness to make AYUSH therapies and wellness services more accessible and effective across Jammu and Kashmir.