AMARAVATI, SEPTEMBER 3: The Union Ministry of Ayush will provide a ₹100-crore grant for establishing a Central yoga and naturopathy research institute with a 100-bed hospital at Nadimpalem in Prattipadu mandal, near Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Thursday.
The institute will be established through the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of Ayush. The State government has sanctioned ₹9.94 crore for preliminary works, including land-related requirements, site filling and levelling, road connectivity and drainage.
Of the sanctioned amount, ₹6.74 crore has been earmarked for land-related works and ₹3.20 crore for filling and levelling the site. Parts of the proposed site are two to three metres below the level of National Highway-16 and will be raised to the required level while ensuring that the natural flow of rainwater is not affected.
A joint inspection of the proposed site was conducted by State and district officials along with representatives of the CCRYN and the Ministry of Ayush. The State has set a target of completing the agreed preliminary works within three months and handing over the land to the CCRYN.
Approach road from NH-16
A 40-foot-wide approach road will be constructed from NH-16 through adjoining government land to provide direct access to the institute. A bus stop and other basic infrastructure are also proposed to improve connectivity.
The Ministry of Ayush has approved the decisions taken during the joint inspection. In a communication dated August 25 to the State Ayush Department, the Centre indicated its readiness to accept the land and proceed with the establishment of the 100-bed institute after the agreed preliminary works are completed.
Ayush Commissioner Gopalakrishna said the institute could begin operations by 2028, subject to the progress of construction.
Treatment and research facilities
The proposed institute will have a 100-bed inpatient hospital and a multidisciplinary research centre, with separate general and special wards for men and women.
The outpatient department will offer medical consultations, health assessments, lifestyle and dietary counselling, follow-up care and preventive health evaluations. The facility is expected to provide naturopathy-based treatment for conditions including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, joint disorders, chronic pain, digestive and respiratory problems, stress, anxiety, sleep-related issues, women’s health conditions and neurological rehabilitation.
The proposed naturopathy facilities include hydrotherapy, massage, mud therapy, mud baths, steam and sauna treatments, hip and spinal baths, packs and compresses. Physiotherapy, acupuncture and yoga services will also be provided.
Separate yoga halls for men and women are planned, with facilities for asanas, pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra and other yogic practices. A naturopathy diet kitchen will provide therapeutic diets based on patients’ health requirements.
The institute is also expected to have a conference hall with a capacity of about 300 people, walking tracks, medicinal plant areas and an open-air auditorium.
Research and employment
Research laboratories in haematology, biochemistry, neuro-psychophysiology and molecular biology are proposed for scientific studies and clinical research in yoga and naturopathy.
The project is expected to create around 100 to 120 direct employment opportunities, including positions for specialists and 15 to 20 BNYS doctors.
Health camps, yoga programmes and public-awareness initiatives are also proposed to extend yoga and naturopathy services to people in Guntur and other parts of Andhra Pradesh.
