Uttar Pradesh is taking a big step forward in promoting traditional medicine with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s announcement to set up AYUSH colleges in six divisions of the state that currently lack such institutions. This was shared during the inauguration of the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur on July 1, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu. These colleges will offer courses in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Yoga, and Naturopathy, all under one campus to make education and healthcare more accessible. CM Yogi said this move will strengthen India’s traditional medical systems and create jobs for young people. The state is also building health and wellness centers in every district to support this effort. This plan aims to make UP a leader in AYUSH education and healthcare, blending old wisdom with modern needs.
Why Are These Colleges Important?
The new AYUSH colleges will bring traditional medicine closer to people in six divisions: Aligarh, Azamgarh, Basti, Jhansi, Moradabad, and Saharanpur. Right now, these areas don’t have dedicated AYUSH institutions, forcing students to travel far for studies. Each college will offer courses in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy on a single campus, making it easier for students to learn and for locals to access treatments. CM Yogi emphasized that these colleges will not only boost education but also create jobs, especially for youth and farmers growing medicinal plants. The state already has 98 AYUSH colleges, including 76 Ayurveda, 10 Unani, and 12 Homeopathy, now under the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University. This move will help UP lead in traditional healthcare globally.
Boosting Local Healthcare
These colleges will improve healthcare access in rural areas. Each will have hospitals offering treatments like Ayurveda’s Panchakarma, which helps with serious illnesses. Locals won’t need to travel to cities for care, and students will get hands-on training.
Job Opportunities for Youth
The colleges will create jobs like teachers, doctors, and pharmacists. Farmers will also benefit by growing herbs for medicines. CM Yogi’s plan includes tying up with companies like Dabur and Patanjali to ensure medicine supply, boosting local economies.
How Will This Plan Work?
CM Yogi has laid out a clear plan to make these colleges a reality. The government will build these institutions with quality infrastructure, including labs, libraries, and skilled teachers. The colleges will follow strict standards to ensure high-quality education. The state is also speeding up recruitment to fill teaching and medical posts. To support this, agreements with companies like Dabur, Baidyanath, and Patanjali will ensure medicines are available at AYUSH hospitals. The Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, built for ₹268 crore, will oversee these colleges, ensuring a common syllabus and exams. Yoga and Naturopathy centers will be mandatory in all institutions to promote healthy living. The goal is to finish construction on time and maintain high standards.
Role of the AYUSH University
The Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, spread over 52 acres, will guide all 98 AYUSH colleges in UP. It will add Yoga, Naturopathy, and Siddha courses soon, ensuring students get a well-rounded education in traditional medicine.
Support from Private Sector
Private institutions will also play a role. CM Yogi has asked for strict checks on private AYUSH colleges to ensure quality. Partnerships with private companies will help supply medicines and fund research, making the system stronger.
What’s Next for UP’s AYUSH Vision?
This plan is a bold step, but challenges remain. Building colleges and ensuring quality takes time and money. The state must ensure enough trained teachers and doctors are available. Rural areas need better roads and electricity to support these colleges. CM Yogi’s focus on tying traditional medicine with modern needs, like Yoga for all, is promising. If done right, these colleges could make UP a global hub for AYUSH, helping both health and the economy. People are hopeful but want to see quick progress.
