Ladakh: Uproar over changing the name of Ayushman Bharat health centers

Srinagar: Renaming of Ayushman Bharat health centers as “Ayushman Arogya Mandir” has sparked controversy in Ladakh with elected hill councils and religious groups of Leh and Kargil districts strongly opposing the move, saying “it goes against the grain of inclusivity.” is short on all fronts”.

With the tagline ‘Aarogyamparmam Dhanam’, new sign boards have been installed at several Ayushman Bharat health and wellness centers in both Kargil and Leh districts.

“Failure to keep pace with the directives of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare only adds to the complexity of the situation,” said Sajjad Kargili, a social and political activist from Ladakh. Health institutions need a locally accepted brand that respects the sentiments of all people,” he said and sought the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh in the matter.

He also urged officials to refrain from any branding or changes that include names or symbols associated with a specific belief system on public properties, policies and institutions.