The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to follow the Kerala model of health tourism to promote ancient systems of nature cure in the hill state.

The state government has decided to send 28 ayurvedic medical officers for training to Kerala shortly. These health officers will imbibe Kerala model of ayurvedic treatment ?Panchakarma?, which has gained reconviction in many states and private centres of ?Panchkarma? have opened in many towns and are doing good business. Chandigarh and its satellite towns-Panchkula and Mohali too boast of such centres run by experts from Kerala though the treatment is considered beyond the reach of common man.

However, affluent class is a regular visitor to these centres. In fact, muncipal corporation of Delhi has also already set up a Panchakarma centre.

Taking a cue from Kerala model of Ayurvedic treatment, the Himachal government has decided to have masseurs trained from Kerala. The state government would requisition from Kerala trained masseurs also to train state youth in the profession.

A unique feature of these Panchakarma centres will be the application of the herbal medicines. Himachal boasts of rare herbal medicinal plants and chief minister has claimed that ?IT (information technology) would last for few years but BT (bio-technology) would last for 100 years and Himachal which has medicinal plants in abundance would be the future state in health tourism?.

At present, Himachal has 40 trained Ayurvedic medical officers who had special training in ?Panchkarma? system of health. The state would give priority to boost health tourism and develop health resorts to cure various incurable ailments. The government will open nine ?Panchkarma? centres in different parts of the state.

Official sources told FE here on Thursday that the state plan came to light during a review of progress and targets of Ayurvedic department by the chief minister, Prem Kumar Dhumal. The CM was of the view that ?Panchkarma? was finding popularity with tourists visiting hilly states for health reasons since it had highest rate of curing various ailments with no side effects. He observed at the meeting that the state had already introduced ?Panchakarma? system of health promotion in various ayurvedic medical centres and nine more would shortly add to the strength.

Dhumal observed that ?Kerala had been leader in initiation of ayurvedic health promotion activities and Himachal Pradesh would soon be emerging favourite destination not only for nature but health tourism as well?.