Effectiveness of School Ayurveda Health and Yoga Education Programme

Background: Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DOAA) under the Ministry of Health and Population is the apex unit responsible for the formulation and implementation of various programs related to Ayurveda and alternative medicine. School Ayurveda Health and Yoga Education Program (SAHYP) is a program which is being implemented by DOAA in some Schools through Ayurveda health centres to create awareness about the Ayurveda healthy lifestyle; importance, uses and benefits of locally available plants of medical value; benefits of different Yoga and their practices. Materials and Methods: This study adopted qualitative approach study design and took data from schools of 7 districts, one from each province, with SAHYP between March to July 2019. The sample size for the study 14 (FGD), 28 (KII) = 42 were taken. Results and Discussion: Students have shown interest to take the class and learn something new about Ayurveda and healthy lifestyle. The schools were positive about the SAHYP and have been supportive. School have been supporting in management of the space, time and gathering the participants and encouraging and motivating students to participate in the program. Few children were practising Yoga at their home, in addition to this they have been informing other people about the information on Ayurveda services available and helping other people to visit the health centre and change the perception of people on Ayurveda. Conclusion: The program has managed to make some notable impact in the school children and community people in areas where the program is being implemented. The program is effective and has also helped to increase the utilization of Ayurveda health services.