Gorakhpur's Healthcare Renaissance: New AYUSH University and AIIMS Convocation

President Draupadi Murmu is poised to inaugurate the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur on July 1, as confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh government. Encompassing all Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy colleges statewide under a unified regulatory framework, the university's foundation was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind on August 28, 2021, following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's invitation. Strategically situated on 52 acres in Pipri, Bhathat, the university lies approximately 25 kilometers from Gorakhpur's district headquarters.

Affiliated with 98 AYUSH colleges across Uttar Pradesh, the university includes 76 Ayurveda, 10 Unani, and 12 Homoeopathy colleges. Previously regulated by separate entities, these colleges now benefit from a harmonious regulatory structure following the university's founding. Operational since the 2021-22 academic session, it administers examinations and manages academic activities for BAMS, MD, MS in Ayurveda; BUMS, MD, MS in Unani; and BHMS, MD in Homoeopathy programs.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath championed the concept of Uttar Pradesh's first AYUSH university following the central government's decision to group Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy under the AYUSH classification. Beyond conventional disciplines, future plans include the integration of Yoga, Naturopathy, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa. Concurrently, President Murmu will address AIIMS Gorakhpur's inaugural convocation. Rapidly becoming a healthcare epicenter for eastern Uttar Pradesh, the foundation and inauguration of AIIMS were realized after persistent advocacy by Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's backing. Since its foundation stone was laid on July 22, 2016, under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, AIIMS Gorakhpur has significantly redefined healthcare standards, signalling a transformative shift for the previously underserved region.