Health ministry writes to states to observe yoga day at all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

The Union Health Ministry has urged states to observe the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 at all operational Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) by organising mass demonstrations.

It also suggested them to invite prominent public figures as yoga ambassadors to motivate the participants.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are envisaged to deliver expanded health services beyond maternal and child care to include care for non-communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye and ENT care, mental health and first level care for emergencies and trauma, including free essential drugs and diagnostic services In a letter to states recently, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said yoga is a vital part of comprehensive primary healthcare at Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) and group sessions are regularly being conducted at AAM to promote holistic health.

Moreover, mass demonstrations are organised on IDY every year.

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrated annually on June 21 aims to generate awareness about its vast potential in improving overall health and wellbeing and to inculcate the practice of yoga among citizens.

According to a Ministry of AYUSH's communication, the theme for this year's IDY is 'Yoga for Self and Society'.

"I urge all states and UTs to observe IDY 2024 on 21st of June at all operational AAM, promoting the 'Yoga with Family' campaign. Mass demonstrations on IDY follow the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) which is a defined sequence of Yoga Asanas lasting 45 minutes, accessible to all age groups through approximately 15 one-hour sessions," Chandra said in the letter.

The CYP training can be arranged at all AAMs to encourage the uptake of yoga and its continuous practice, he said.

The planning of IDY 2024 at AAM should involve coordination with block/district administration with active participation from ASHA/ANM, voluntary organizations, schools, colleges, and youth groups, the letter said.

He suggested branding of IDY to be done at all AAMs, community health centres, district hospitals and state and district offices and encouraging pre-event publicity via print, digital, and social media for maximum participation.

"On the event day, mass demonstration to be organised at all AAM and prominent public figures may be invited as Yoga ambassadors to motivate the participants. All IDY/CYP-related information can be accessed via a single platform... AAM teams will observe IDY to promote yoga as a holistic approach to health and wellness among the rural and urban population of our country," the letter said.