World-class yoga institution coming up

Chennai: A ‘world-class’ yoga and naturopathy hospital, stated to be the first of its kind in the country, will be set up at the Government Medical College Hospital at Chengalpet at a cost of '60 crore, according to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

The institution is being set up to encourage yoga and naturopathy, which played a key role in both preventing and curbing non-communicable diseases due to lifestyle changes, the CM told the state Assembly here on Monday.

Making a suo moto statement, he said the institution would come up in an area of 50 acres and would also have teaching facilities offering graduate, post-graduate and research courses. Hostel facilities for students and quarters for employees would also come up and adequate staff would be appointed.

"In a natural setting, safe treatment will be provided," he said adding it will include therapies such as herbal, magnet, water, acupuncture, mud and massage.

The CM also made a slew of other announcements on scaling up health infrastructure in state-run hospitals, which would include the upgradation of 985 health sub-centres as integrated health centres at a cost of '82.2 crore.

Also, during this year, nutritious food would be provided to 96,200 patients affected by tuberculosis at a cost '20.20 crore, he said.