Lack of books, dirt greets students here

Ministers concern for Ayurveda does not extend to colleges

Due to increased demand from the Western countries, Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent was being revived in the country, he had observed recently.

However, this concern is not reflected in the Government Ayurvedic Medical College here, which stands as a testimony to official apathy. Also, alarming is the trend now, wherein there are not many takers for Ayurveda, a holistic healing science.  
The State government has sanctioned Rs 30 crore as planned allotment to the AYUSH Directorate (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), which is used for the construction and maintenance of buildings. While the non-planned funds amounts to Rs 66 crore, out of which 85 percent of it goes towards payment of salary to the staff. The remaining amount is used to create infrastructure facilities, explained AYUSH Director G N Sreekantiah.

"One of the main problems we are facing is lack of a proper library. We are even forced to buy expensive reference books. Since past four years students have not been able to attend a practical anatomy class due to non-availability of cadaver. Several undergraduate students have no exposure to practical classes at all," said a final year student.

Lack of hygiene is yet another problem plaguing us. We study in the hospital premises, which is expected to be clean. But here from hospital wards to OT all are ill maintained, which demotivates students from pursuing their studies. Further, lack of infrastructure propels many students to quit course in the first year itself. Even after completing the course, many do not pursue a career in the field, added student.
"I was eager to learn Ayurveda in my first year. During my second and third year we did not even have lecturers and had to learn on our own. Many students are devoid of practical experience. I am glad that I will be out of this college in four months time,” said an intern.

"I am aware of the problems in the college. We are working towards fixing most of the problems in the next three months. As far as pursuing a career in Ayurveda goes, it is the decision of the students. We are planning to get professional ayurvedic practitioners to teach students by next week," elaborated AYUSH Director G N Sreekantiah.
DH News Service