Mizoram, Nagaland writes centre; asks not to rename health centre as mandir

New Delhi: The Northeastern states of Mizoram and Nagaland have opposed the Centre's intention to rename the flagship Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre as Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs (AAM).

According to records, these two states expressed concerns and requested an exemption from the renaming operation, citing "sentiments" from society and the church.

As they await a response from the Centre to their complaint, these states continue to refer to the former designation as a "health and wellness centre".

The 1.6 lakh primary health facilities that make up the nation's flagship Ayushman Bharat health and wellness network underwent a rebranding last year at the behest of the Union Health Ministry. These centres are now called Ayushman Arogya Mandir, with the motto "Arogyam Parmam Dhanam" (health is the greatest wealth).

The National Health Mission's Mission Director, L. S. Changsan, sent a letter to the states in November announcing this change. The Centre then made the website modifications with little fanfare, Indian Express reported.

This year in January, Mizoram requested an exemption. “I would like to express my concern regarding the instructions for rebranding of existing Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM),” Principal Secretary Esther Lal Ruatkimi wrote to then Union Health Secretary.

“As you are aware, Mizoram is a Christian state with more than 90% of the population identifying as Christian. It is felt that in order to continue to garner public support for public health activities for health promotion, this rebranding may foster adverse sentiments among the populace towards the government. I, therefore, request you to kindly exempt Mizoram from this activity,” Ruatkimi wrote.

In February, Mizoram reached out to the Centre once more, emphasizing: “It is again requested to exempt Mizoram from renaming of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandir.”