Swasthya Raksha Programme

The Swasthya Raksha Programme (SRP) is a public health initiative launched by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy), Government of India, with the objective of promoting preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and community-level health awareness through the principles of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.
This programme aims to bridge modern public health needs with India’s indigenous medical knowledge, empowering local communities to adopt healthy lifestyles, utilise herbal remedies, and prevent diseases through time-tested natural methods.

Background and Context

India’s traditional medical systems, especially Ayurveda, have long emphasised the importance of maintaining health (Swasthya Raksha) and preventing diseases rather than merely treating them. The Government of India, recognising the potential of these systems for preventive and promotive health, launched the Swasthya Raksha Programme in 2015–16 under the Ministry of AYUSH.
The programme is part of the government’s efforts to:

• Strengthen the public healthcare system through AYUSH interventions.
• Promote community health awareness.
• Integrate traditional knowledge into national health strategies.

The initiative aligns with the National Health Policy and the Ayushman Bharat vision, focusing on holistic well-being and affordable healthcare for all.

Objectives of the Swasthya Raksha Programme

The Swasthya Raksha Programme aims to achieve comprehensive health protection through preventive, promotive, and curative measures rooted in AYUSH principles.
Key Objectives Include:

1. Prevention of Diseases: Promote lifestyle practices, dietary habits, and environmental sanitation to reduce disease incidence.
2. Early Diagnosis: Facilitate early detection of diseases through health screening camps and consultations.
3. Promotion of Health Awareness: Educate rural and urban populations about personal hygiene, nutrition, and natural immunity.
4. Documentation and Data Collection: Record and analyse the prevalence of diseases at the community level using AYUSH systems.
5. Integration with Primary Healthcare: Strengthen the role of AYUSH dispensaries and hospitals in community health programmes.
6. Capacity Building: Train AYUSH doctors, paramedics, and local health volunteers for effective service delivery.

Major Components of the Programme

The Swasthya Raksha Programme has both field-level and institutional components for efficient implementation.
1. Outreach Activities:

• Health Camps: Organisation of Swasthya Raksha Health Camps in rural and semi-urban areas for consultation, diagnosis, and distribution of AYUSH medicines.
• Free Distribution of Medicines: AYUSH formulations are provided free of cost during camps and at primary centres.
• Public Health Education: Awareness programmes on cleanliness, diet, yoga, seasonal regimen, and disease prevention are conducted at the community level.

2. Institutional Strengthening:

• Selected AYUSH Research Councils such as the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) act as implementing agencies.
• AYUSH dispensaries and colleges serve as nodal centres for outreach activities.

3. Training and Capacity Building:

• Training AYUSH doctors and field workers in health promotion and preventive strategies.
• Conducting workshops for local healers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and school teachers.

4. Data Documentation and Research:

• Recording demographic and morbidity data during camps to help identify region-specific health issues.
• Analysis of the role of AYUSH therapies in addressing community health challenges.

5. Community Health Promotion:

• Propagation of AYUSH-based practices such as Dinacharya (daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Ahara-Niyama (dietary rules), and Yoga.

Implementation

The programme is implemented through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and other autonomous bodies under the Ministry of AYUSH.
Key Implementing Features:

• Establishment of AYUSH outreach units in selected districts.
• Collaboration with Panchayati Raj institutions and local self-help groups.
• Partnership with state health departments and AYUSH colleges for field-level execution.
• Periodic monitoring and evaluation by the Ministry of AYUSH.

Activities Conducted Under the Programme

• Organisation of Swasthya Raksha Health Camps across various states.
• Screening of beneficiaries for common ailments like anaemia, malnutrition, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Awareness campaigns on nutrition, personal hygiene, and traditional immunity-boosting measures.
• Dissemination of AYUSH educational material and demonstration of home remedies.
• School Health Initiatives: Conducting lectures and demonstrations for students on yoga, sanitation, and healthy eating.
• Celebration of Ayurveda Day and International Day of Yoga to promote AYUSH-based health principles.

Expected Outcomes

The Swasthya Raksha Programme contributes to improving community health and strengthening the role of AYUSH in preventive care.
Anticipated Outcomes Include:

• Increased awareness of preventive healthcare and lifestyle management.
• Reduced incidence of lifestyle-related and communicable diseases.
• Enhanced use of AYUSH systems in community health.
• Improved collection of epidemiological data for health planning.
• Strengthened collaboration between modern and traditional healthcare systems.

Achievements

Since its inception, the Swasthya Raksha Programme has achieved notable milestones:

• Conducted thousands of health camps nationwide, covering lakhs of beneficiaries.
• Distributed AYUSH medicines and immunity boosters such as Chyawanprash, Ayush Kwath, and Triphala Churna.
• Trained hundreds of health professionals and field workers in AYUSH preventive care.
• Contributed to India’s COVID-19 response by promoting immunity-enhancing measures under the AYUSH framework.
• Strengthened grassroots-level health infrastructure in rural and tribal areas.

Significance

The Swasthya Raksha Programme is a vital step toward achieving universal health coverage by integrating traditional systems of medicine with modern health delivery models. It complements national health initiatives by focusing on wellness, prevention, and community empowerment rather than only curative care.
Key Significance:

• Reinforces India’s traditional medical heritage in public health.
• Promotes holistic health and disease prevention.
• Supports sustainable, affordable, and culturally relevant healthcare practices.
• Encourages community participation and self-care.
• Aligns with the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) and Ayushman Bharat’s Wellness Centres.

Challenges

Despite its promise, the programme faces certain challenges:

• Limited awareness among the public about AYUSH preventive healthcare.
• Need for stronger data monitoring and integration with digital health systems.
• Shortage of trained manpower in rural AYUSH facilities.
• Requirement for continuous funding and cross-sectoral coordination with modern healthcare departments.

Future Prospects

The Ministry of AYUSH aims to expand the Swasthya Raksha Programme by:

• Integrating it with digital health platforms such as Ayush Grid.
• Increasing coverage in tribal and aspirational districts.
• Conducting longitudinal research on the impact of AYUSH preventive interventions.
• Establishing more community wellness centres with AYUSH services.