Enhancing Traditional Healing Training in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh government is taking significant steps to enhance wellness and medical tourism, drawing inspiration from Kerala’s success. The AYUSH department plans to introduce one-year Panchkarma technician courses in 12 Ayurvedic hospitals across the state starting from the next academic year, aiming to accommodate 252 students.
Currently, there are only 36 seats available for this program in Himachal Pradesh. However, following the directives from Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the department will significantly increase the intake capacity, thereby providing more job opportunities for the youth in the expanding wellness sector.
A government representative mentioned that the Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital in Paprola (Kangra) and the Regional Ayurvedic Hospital in Chhota Shimla each currently offer 18 seats for the Panchkarma technician course.
With the new expansion initiative, the intake at Paprola will rise to 36 students, while Chhota Shimla will accommodate 24 students. Additionally, 12 new institutions will begin offering the course in the upcoming academic session, including District Ayurvedic Hospitals in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Una, and Nahan, as well as Ayurvedic Hospitals in Nalagarh, Dehra, and Rampur, each with 16 available seats.
The government’s objective is to cultivate a skilled workforce of Panchkarma technicians to meet the increasing demand for holistic healthcare and to solidify Himachal Pradesh’s status as a wellness and medical tourism destination.
The spokesperson emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is rich in natural herbs, providing a unique advantage for Panchkarma practices. Acknowledging this potential, the Chief Minister has instructed the department to increase student enrollment and fully leverage opportunities within the wellness tourism sector.
