The government has approved a package of Rs 550 crore for upgrading state-run centres offering education in alternative health programmes such as ayurvedic and homeopathy during the 11th plan period.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for implementation of the scheme of development of the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (Ayush) Institutions with a plan outlay of Rs 550 crore in the 11th plan. Government aid to Ayush colleges under various heads would be revised for upgradation of various institutes.  A sum of Rs two crore has been sanctioned for Ayush colleges offering under-graduate courses from the previously allocated Rs 62 lakh; the aid for institutions offering post-graduate courses has been revised to Rs 3 crore from Rs 2 crore and to Rs 5 crore from Rs 3 crore for model colleges.

CCEA also gave its approval for implementation of the Rs 225 crore revised centrally sponsored scheme of drugs quality control as per the 11th plan provision.