Others

KAYAKALP

The Kayakalp program aims to improve hygiene, sanitation, and cleanliness in AYUSH healthcare institutions. It was launched nationally in 2015 and rewards hospitals that maintain high standards in cleanliness and infection control. The main goals of the program are to promote good hygiene practices, encourage quality improvement, and recognize institutions that perform well. 

District Hospitals, other hospitals, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are evaluated by trained external assessors using a structured checklist. Facilities scoring at least 80% move to higher levels of assessment and become eligible for awards. Award-winning institutions receive cash prizes and certificates during a state-level ceremony. Most of the award money is used for improving hospital facilities and services, while the rest is given as incentives to staff. For the financial year 2024-25, a total of Rs. 143 lakhs has been allocated for the Kayakalp Awards under the AYUSH sector.

YOGA AND WELLNESS

Yoga and Naturopathy have shown great effectiveness in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and managing stress-related conditions. To promote holistic health, the Government of Kerala has established Yoga Wellness Centres across the state. These centres focus on preventing and managing lifestyle-related diseases through Yoga and Naturopathy. The aim is to raise awareness about lifestyle diseases, promote physical and mental health, and encourage the adoption of natural healing methods. 

Starting with four centres in 2014–15, the network has now expanded to 30 centres functioning in all 14 districts. Currently, 30 staff members are working under the project, with one staff member assigned to each centre. The state has proposed Rs. 74.59 lakhs as recurring financial assistance for the 30 existing Yoga Wellness Centres for the financial year 2025–26, ensuring the continued delivery of vital wellness services. 

TELEMEDICINE

The National Telemedicine Service of India is a major step toward digital health equity and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). These services began during the COVID-19 lockdown, with AYUSH doctors from the health department and the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) providing care. The e-Sanjeevani OPD telemedicine services were launched on June 10, 2020, connecting patients with general and specialty doctors, including Ayurvedic specialists. Through the e-Sanjeevani platform, people can easily access doctors and medical specialists through their smartphones. Kerala is the first state to implement AYUSH services through e-Sanjeevani.

Telemedicine allows doctors and healthcare professionals to provide consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care using digital technology, overcoming distance barriers, allowing flexible appointment scheduling and improving access to health services for all. For 2025-26, the proposal seeks Rs. 2.25 lakh to expand services, strengthen specialty care, improve last-mile delivery, and enhance the digital health ecosystem in a cost-effective and sustainable way.

ALLERGY AND ASTHMA SPECIAL CLINIC ( HOMOEOPATHY)

Homoeopathy is widely accepted for treating Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs), including Bronchial Asthma and COPD  due to its low cost and minimal long-term side effects. Kerala initiated Allergy and Asthma Clinics in District Homoeopathy Hospitals at Thrissur and Malappuram in 2018 -19, and based on their success, the program was expanded to 14 districts. These clinics provide outpatient and inpatient care, community outreach, health education, and IEC activities to reduce morbidity, mortality, and the economic and caregiver burden associated with chronic respiratory conditions.

To ensure effectiveness and sustainability, the clinics will implement a monitoring and evaluation framework, including baseline data collection, patient registries, electronic medical records, periodic reviews, and annual impact assessments. Patient-friendly arrangements, prior appointment systems, and mobilization through peripheral referrals, medical camps, and awareness programs are also ensured. The State proposes Rs. 21.00 lakh for supporting the Asthma & Allergy Specialty Clinics through Homoeopathy for FY 2025–26.

THYROID SPECIAL CLINIC (HOMOEOPATHY)

Thyroid disorders have become a growing public health concern in India, especially among women of reproductive age. To address this issue, the Department of Homoeopathy launched a special Thyroid Clinic project in Idukki in 2012, later expanded to all 14 districts under the National AYUSH Mission. The project aims to ensure early diagnosis and effective homoeopathic treatment for thyroid-related morbidities, reduce comorbidities and infertility associated with thyroid dysfunction, and minimize healthcare expenses. 

The clinics provide OP and IP care, regular screening, medical camps, and health education. Each patient undergoes detailed case analysis, individualized homoeopathic treatment, and periodic follow-up with lab investigations. The State has proposed a recurring assistance of Rs. 28.00 lakhs for the operational support of these special clinics in FY 2025–26.

SIDDHA THERAPY UNITS

Siddha Varma therapy focuses on stimulating specific energy points in the body called “varma points” or “marma poins” to restore the flow of vital energy and promote natural healing. This non-invasive therapy is effective for managing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, pain, and chronic ailments.

To promote awareness and accessibility, the Department of Siddha has established Special Siddha Varma Therapy Units in government hospitals. In addition to the seven units approved  in SAAP 2023-24 and SAAP 2024-25, four additional units are proposed for the financial year 2025-26 in Kollam, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. These units provide affordable treatment for orthopedic and other disorders using traditional techniques like Varma Maruthuvam, Thokkanam, Puramaruthuvam (which includes 32 types of external therapies like nasyam, fomentation) etc. From April 2024 to March 2025, 2,110 Varma therapy sessions were conducted. The State has proposed Rs. 102.70 lakhs for the implementation of this project for the year 2025–26.

UNANI THERAPY UNITS

The Unani system of medicine offers a holistic and non-invasive approach through Ilaj Bit Tadabeer (Regimental Therapy), which includes therapies like cupping (hijama), massage (dalak), and irrigation (nutool). These therapies have shown effective results in improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life in conditions such as osteoarthritis, paralysis, cervical spondylosis, and post-surgical stiffness.
The Government Unani Dispensary, Mogral, has been providing Ilaj Bit Tadabeer services since 1990 with encouraging outcomes. 

Currently, seven Unani regimental therapy units are functional—three sanctioned in 2023–24 and four in 2024–25—and five new units are proposed for 2025–26, increasing the total to twelve. From April 2024 to March 2025, 2,168 therapy sessions were conducted, reflecting strong public acceptance and clinical effectiveness. The State has proposed  Rs. 113.73 lakhs for the operationalization of 12 Ilaj Bit Tadabeer units for FY 2025–26.

HARSHAM

The Government Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental Diseases, Kottakkal, launched the Harsham – Anti-Depression Clinic project under the SAAP 2018–19. The initiative aims to provide Ayurvedic-based outpatient services for early detection and management of depression, especially in rural areas where access to mental health care is limited. Initially implemented in five districts—Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kannur - the project received positive public response, leading to its expansion to all 14 districts by 2024–25. 

Currently, Harsham clinics operate in over 140 centres, mostly Health and Wellness Centres, providing regular consultations, awareness programmes, and referral services for severe cases. The initiative has not only improved access to mental health care but also helped reduce social stigma surrounding depression. For the financial year 2025–26, the state has proposed an allocation of Rs. 119.91 lakhs to strengthen and sustain the Harsham project.

MEDHA

The Govt. Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental Diseases (GARIM), Kottakkal has launched a structured initiative called Medha Project for the management of scholastic backwardness in children. Various factors may contribute to scholastic backwardness, including physical illness, below average intelligence, learning disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychiatric disorders and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). 
The Medha Project was initially approved under the SAAP 2017-18 and implemented during 2018-19. 

A total of 91 students were enrolled for the project, with diverse causes of scholastic difficulty. The interventions included Ayurveda nootropic drug therapy, yoga therapy and parent-student counselling. The combined approach has been shown to significantly enhance outcomes in children, both academically and behaviourally. The assessments revealed significant gains in attention, emotional regulation, learning pace, obedience and study habits, along with reductions in aggression, gadget dependence, and poor classroom behaviour. The State proposed a financial requirement of Rs. 7.45 lakhs as recurring assistance for the financial year 2024-25, to sustain and expand the Medha Project.

PRATHEEKSHA

The Government Ayurveda Research Institute for Mental Diseases (GARIM), Kottakkal launched Pratheeksha Project in 2014 for medical and psychological interventions in children with intellectual disabilities. Intellectual Disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning often co-occurring with conditions like cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression or anxiety. The project aimed at creating awareness among parents and teachers, providing ayurvedic treatments to selected children, assessment and follow up. 

Selected medicines were provided and proper diet and routine were advised. The assessments were done before and after the 10-month period of intervention, using BASIC MR scale. Ayurveda medical intervention helped to reduce psychiatric issues of mentally challenged children. Parents also reported reduction in irritation, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, duration and frequency of epileptic attacks and showing interest towards other activities like drawing, dancing etc. In order to continue the service provided by Pratheeksha project, the State proposed an amount of Rs. 6.55 lakhs as recurring assistance in the financial year 2025-26.

Integrated AYUSH Medical Unit (IAMU)

Integrated AYUSH Medical Unit is a project run under National AYUSH Mission. These centres will provide treatments encompassing Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Unani systems, promoting a comprehensive range of therapeutic options under one roof. These centres will also play a crucial role in effectively addressing lifestyle disorders and enhancing physical and mental well-being. They will serve as a platform to raise awareness about the significance and effectiveness of traditional medical systems.

At present IAMU is working at five units in Kerala namely Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Malappuram. The IAMU centres reported a notable increase in the number of beneficiaries during 2024-25 period (1,56,915) compared to the previous year (1,16,524). In addition to increased beneficiary numbers, IAMU program also expanded activities like medical camps, awareness classes, palliative duties, and various competitions aimed at raising health awareness. In SAAP 25-26, the State proposed an amount of Rs. 52.00 lakhs for IAMU and HR  for all units will be adjusted from AYUSH Services.