ESI policy on Ayush

Ayush systems of medicine are gaining popularity all over the world. The strength of these individual systems of medicine lies in their unique modalities for disease prevention, wellness, and management. The Ayush systems can contribute significantly to the holistic health of ESI beneficiaries.

AYUSH through ESIC institutions

To promote holistic wellbeing of the ESI beneficiaries, a Policy on AYUSH 2023 in Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) institutions has been adopted. The Policy was approved in the 193rd meeting of ESI Corporation on 10.02.2024. The policy is regarding expansion of Ayush services in ESI hospitals, dispensaries, and Dispensary cum Branch Office (DCBOs) with the establishment of Ayush units (OPD services), Ayush Hospitals, Yoga therapy units, Panchakarma units and Kshara-Sutra units.

At present, ESI is running a total of 406 AYUSH units at various locations throughout the country. These comprise 185 Ayurveda units, 91 Homeopathy units, 67 Yoga units, 52 Siddha units and 11 Unani units. An aggregate of 26,68,816 patients attended these units in the course of the year 2023-24.

Salient features of ESI AYUSH Policy

The policy provides norms for establishment of AYUSH OPD services in ESIS/ESIC. As per the earlier Ayush policies, provision was for running Ayush OPD services through part time doctors & staff whereas according to the new policy they will be replaced by regular fulltime staff in due course of time. This would manifestly increase the level of commitment of the staff and the quality of care.

As per the policy, there is provision of Indoor Ayurveda treatment by housing 50 bed AYUSH hospitals within 500 bed Allopathic Hospitals.  Here in addition to OPD services, patients with ailments required hospitalization will get quality treatment   under five specialties that is Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine), Panchakarma (Biopurificatory medicine), Shalya (Surgery), Shalakya (Ophthalmology and ENT) and Prasuti and Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) under the supervision of Ayurveda physicians with required Post Graduate qualifications. This would immensely enhance the quality of care being provided to the ESI Beneficiaries .

Earlier, Yoga units in ESI institutions were being run by Yoga instructors. As per the new policy, Yoga therapy units will be run by Yoga therapists having higher levels of qualifications and experience. This would enable Insured Persons (IPs) and dependents to get the benefits of quality Yoga Therapy services in ESI institutions.           

Panchakarma is essentially a regimen intended to eliminate the toxic elements of the body by enhancing its immunity and decreasing the chances of recurrence of diseases. Kshar-Sutra therapy is time tested, sure, safe and cost-effective method in the management for Ano-rectal disorders. Norms for establishing units for both Panchkarma and Kshar-Sutra units for these therapies are laid down in this Ayush policy to enable strengthening of these services for ESI beneficiaries.

ESI Policy on AYUSH 2023