Shimla, September 23, 2026
The Himachal Pradesh government is pursuing the establishment of an All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the state, with Dhaneta in Nadaun, Hamirpur, emerging as the proposed site for the ₹1,000-crore project.
AYUSH Minister Yadavindra Goma said the Centre has invited proposals for establishing AIIMS Ayurveda institutions, with Himachal Pradesh among the five states being considered. The state government has proposed around 70 acres of land for the institute and has committed ₹300 crore towards the project, besides providing necessary infrastructure and other facilities.
Goma was speaking at the state-level function marking the 11th National Ayurveda Day at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. This year’s theme was “Ayurveda for a Healthy Future.” He said the state had fulfilled the commitments required for the proposal and that the final decision now rests with the Government of India.
The minister said the government was working to strengthen AYUSH as an integral part of Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare system by preserving traditional knowledge while integrating it with quality healthcare services. The state has allocated ₹379 crore for the AYUSH sector in the 2026-27 Budget, while ₹60 crore has been provided under the National AYUSH Mission.
Himachal Pradesh currently has around 1,241 AYUSH institutions, Goma said, adding that the government was focusing on expanding access to specialised services such as Panchakarma, yoga and other Ayurvedic therapies. He said the state’s medicinal plant resources, natural environment and traditional knowledge provide significant scope for developing AYUSH-based wellness and preventive healthcare, along with wellness tourism.
As part of its skill-development initiatives, a one-year Panchakarma Technician Training Programme is being conducted at 14 Ayurvedic hospitals, where around 250 youth are being trained. The trained personnel are expected to find opportunities in hospitals, wellness centres and the tourism and wellness sector.
The minister also highlighted initiatives such as Himoshdham and stressed the need for quality, standardisation and innovation in AYUSH products, linking traditional knowledge with medicinal plant cultivation and the emerging wellness economy.
Meanwhile, a three-day Ayurveda exhibition is being held at Shimla’s Ridge from September 23 to 25. The exhibition features specialised Ayurvedic practices and wellness approaches, including Marma Chikitsa, Agnikarma, Raktamokshana, Jalauka Avcharan, pulse testing, Panchakarma, yoga, diet and lifestyle practices, herbal products and medicinal plants.
Secretary AYUSH A. Shainamol said the utilisation of AYUSH services has increased substantially in recent years. According to the department, AYUSH outpatient attendance rose from around 25.30 lakh in 2021-22 to 36.94 lakh in 2025-26, while admissions to Ayurvedic hospitals increased from approximately 3.56 lakh to 6.74 lakh during the same period.
She said specialised services such as Panchakarma, Ksharsutra, Marma Chikitsa, Agnikarma and Jalauka Chikitsa were also being expanded. A total of 123 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have received NABH accreditation, she added.
During the state-level programme, the Himoshdham Wellness Pack and the AYUSH Department’s new website were launched, while a souvenir was released and a documentary showcasing the department’s activities and achievements was screened.
NABH-accredited Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, accredited nursery operators and progressive farmers were also honoured. An MoU signing ceremony between farmers and industry representatives was held to strengthen coordination between medicinal plant cultivation and the AYUSH industry.
The department reiterated its commitment to expanding AYUSH healthcare services, specialised treatment, skilled manpower and preventive healthcare while promoting Himachal Pradesh’s medicinal plant resources, traditional knowledge and wellness potential.
