NASHIK: The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) will not entertain any new applications seeking permission for starting AYUSH (ayurvedic, homoeopathy, and unani) courses for next two session.MUHS registrar K D Chavan said that the applications received from the trusts to start new colleges and proposals from the existing colleges to increase the intake capacity will be kept on hold for at least next two years.The university had received over a dozen applications seeking approval to start these AYUSH colleges. According to the MUHS, the Union ministry of Ayush has put a two-year freeze on approvals to open new Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy medical colleges in the country and hence the university cannot approve additional seats or new colleges in state.
“As a part of its strategy to increase the health manpower in state, the MUHS had invited applications from the education trusts to start new medical colleges. The last date for the same is October 31, 2018. However, the Union ministry of Ayush has put a two-year freeze on approvals to open new Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy medical colleges in the country. So, the university will not be able to go ahead with the applications,” said Chavan.
As per the letter received by the MUHS from the AYUSH ministry, the freeze period will be utilized to implement reforms and new procedures to promote quality and transparency in existing AYUSH educational institutions.
“As the ministry won’t accept fresh applications for starting new colleges, no state governments and university can issue no-objection certificates or consent of affiliation during this time,” said senior academician and MUHS senate member Sanjay Pund.
According to academicians, the government has been finalizing new norms to promote education and research in AYUSH system of medicine.
“This process will take two years at least. Till then, the MUHS had to manage with the existing intake capacity in state,” said Pund.
