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Synopsis

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court on Thursday seeking directions to include the Indian healthcare system, viz. Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, in the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued notice to the Ministry of Ayush, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Delhi Government.

The court sought their response on the PIL within eight weeks and listed the matter for consideration on January 29, 2024.

The PIL filed by practicing lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay stated that India is a country rich in various great traditions of sages and has clear evidence of this in various available scriptures, Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, etc.

It stated that unfortunately, due to various policies created by foreign rulers and individuals with a colonial mindset, our cultural, intellectual knowledge, and scientific heritage have been systematically eroded.

The plea also stated that a significant step towards health, named "Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)," has been taken by the Government of India as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017.

“The initiative has been designed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its refined commitment, which is to "leave no one behind." However, it is important to note that an essential part of this effort, Ayurveda (Ayush), has been left out”, it added.

Upadhyay has stated in the plea that Ayurveda, though integral to the program, is conspicuously absent from its implementation.

The plea has sought directions to the center and state to include the Indian healthcare system, viz., Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, in the National Health Protection Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—Ayushman Bharat, in order to secure the right to health of citizens.

Case Title: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India & Ors.