Herbal Parks At Government Hospitals Across AP To Boost Patients’ Well-Being
To start with, the herbal parks will be established at district-level government hospitals, starting from Nellore: Reports
NELLORE: Andhra Pradesh Medicinal Plants and Aromatic Board CEO Avula Chandrasekhar announced herbal parks at government hospitals across AP to improve the mental well-being of patients.
He disclosed that the initiative is being taken up on the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, with the support of Medical and Health minister Satya Kumar and state chief secretary Saurabh Gaur.
To start with, the herbal parks will be established at district-level government hospitals, starting from Nellore.
On Tuesday, board CEO Chandrasekhar visited the Nellore Government General Hospital and Medical College. He identified suitable locations within the college-cum-hospital’s premises for developing the herbal park. Those who accompanied him included the board’s deputy CEO Pradeep, Government General Hospital (GGH) superintendent Dr. Kondeti Madhavi, Nellore Medical College principal Dr. Rajeswari, and Horticulture officer Sai.
Speaking on the occasion, Chandrasekhar said the herbal park will be developed along with walking tracks, seating benches, flowering plants, and drinking water facilities. This will create a pleasant and calming atmosphere for patients and visitors.
“A green and soothing environment plays a vital role in reducing stress and enhancing positivity among patients,” he maintained.
The board CEO said the medicinal and aromatic parks’ project will be built using government funds, along with contributions from industrialists, donors, and voluntary organisations. Individuals and institutions can also adopt the herbal parks. Companies can extend support under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Highlighting the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants, Chandrasekhar said both the central and state governments are offering incentives to promote their cultivation. The National Medicinal Plants Board, functioning under the Ministry of AYUSH, supports the cultivation and commercial use of plants, such as ashwagandha, neem, Tulasi, and punarnava, which help boost immunity and help disease prevention.
The CEO pointed out that aromatic plants like lemongrass, rose petals, and vetiver are widely used in essential oils, skin care products, and traditional medicines. These herbs are regularly used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Yoga centres for therapeutic, antibacterial, and cooling purposes.
He said the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants will provide technical guidance for quality cultivation, while the AP Medicinal Plants and Aromatic Board will promote research and development in this sector.
