StartupFloraAyush Scheme: Everything You Need to Know & Apply for Healthcare Startups
What is AYUSH Scheme?
The word AYUSH stands for:
A – Ayurveda
Y – Yoga & Naturopathy
U – Unani
S – Siddha
H – Homeopathy
These are India’s six officially recognized traditional systems of medicine. The AYUSH Scheme was launched to strengthen these systems, integrate them into public healthcare, and encourage new businesses to explore wellness-based entrepreneurship.
Objective of the AYUSH Scheme
The primary goal of the AYUSH Scheme is to:
- Strengthen infrastructure for traditional medicine and research.
- Develop AYUSH hospitals, wellness centers, and educational institutes.
- Support startups and MSMEs in herbal, natural, and Ayurvedic product manufacturing.
- Encourage cultivation and trade of medicinal plants.
When Was the AYUSH Scheme Launched?
The Ministry of AYUSH was officially established in 2014, separating from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Under this ministry, the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) was launched to expand AYUSH healthcare facilities and promote traditional medicine nationwide.
The mission aims to make AYUSH systems a part of daily healthcare and boost India’s position as a global hub for natural wellness.
Who Can Apply for AYUSH Scheme?
The AYUSH Scheme is designed for individuals and organizations working in traditional health and wellness sectors. Eligible applicants include:
- Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers
- Yoga and Naturopathy centers
- Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy clinics
- AYUSH colleges and training institutions
- Startups and MSMEs in herbal products or wellness services
- Farmers involved in medicinal plant cultivation
- NGOs and healthcare organizations promoting AYUSH therapies
Essentially, any entrepreneur or institute promoting India’s ancient medical systems can benefit from this scheme.
The AYUSH Systems Explained
Ayurveda
A 5,000-year-old system based on the idea of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. It focuses on diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to maintain health and prevent disease. The term ‘Ayurveda’ comes from Sanskrit, meaning “The Science of Life.”
Yoga & Naturopathy
Yoga is the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Naturopathy, on the other hand, is a cost-effective, drugless, and non-invasive therapy that relies on natural elements for healing.
Unani
Derived from ancient Greek medicine, Unani is a holistic healthcare system that considers physical, mental, and environmental factors for well-being. It focuses on prevention, cure, and rehabilitation.
Siddha
One of India’s oldest medical systems, primarily practiced in Tamil Nadu. The word “Siddha” means “perfection”. it aims for physical, mental, and spiritual excellence.
Sowa-Rigpa
Known as the “Science of Healing,” this traditional medicine is practiced in the Himalayan region by tribal communities. It shares similarities with Tibetan medicine.
Homeopathy
Introduced by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in 1805, Homeopathy works on the principle of “Like cures like” meaning a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.
Key AYUSH Funding Schemes
The Government of India provides several financial support schemes under the AYUSH Ministry. These schemes aim to fund institutions, businesses, and individuals engaged in traditional medicine and wellness.
| Scheme Name | Purpose & Highlights |
| National AYUSH Mission (NAM) | Strengthening AYUSH healthcare infrastructure, co-locating AYUSH units in district hospitals, and promoting wellness centers. |
| AYURSWASTHYA Yojana | Provides financial assistance for upgrading AYUSH institutions, research centers, and hospitals. |
| AYURGYAN Scheme | Supports capacity building, research, and continuous medical education in AYUSH systems. |
| Medicinal Plant Scheme | Promotes cultivation, conservation, and marketing of medicinal plants through subsidies. |
| Development of AYUSH Clusters | Encourages MSMEs to form clusters for shared infrastructure and advanced equipment. |
| Public Health Initiatives (PHI) | Funds public health programs that include AYUSH interventions, health camps, and awareness drives. |
Benefits & Specialty of AYUSH Scheme
The AYUSH Scheme provides multiple benefits to entrepreneurs, healthcare institutions, and communities:
- Financial assistance for startups and healthcare units in AYUSH sectors.
- Infrastructure support for building AYUSH hospitals, colleges, and dispensaries.
- Subsidies for medicinal plant cultivation and herbal product manufacturing.
- Research funding to promote innovation in traditional medicine.
- Skill development programs for AYUSH practitioners.
- Export promotion for Ayurvedic and herbal products.
- Collaboration opportunities between private companies and government institutions.
States Covered Under AYUSH Scheme
The AYUSH Scheme operates across all Indian states and union territories through the National AYUSH Mission (NAM). Each state has a dedicated AYUSH department responsible for implementing these initiatives locally building hospitals, running wellness centers, and distributing grants.
States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand have seen rapid AYUSH growth due to strong traditional roots and tourism-linked wellness industries.
Budget of the AYUSH Scheme
The Government of India has allocated a budget of ₹2,846 crore for the continuation of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) till 2026.
This budget covers infrastructure development, research funding, drug standardization, and public awareness programs. The government has also emphasized integrating AYUSH with the National Health Mission to create a holistic healthcare network.
AYUSH Scheme vs Ayushman Bharat Scheme
| Aspect | AYUSH Scheme | Ayushman Bharat Scheme |
| Objective | Promote traditional systems and wellness-based businesses | Provide free health insurance and treatment |
| Ministry | Ministry of AYUSH | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Beneficiaries | Startups, MSMEs, Institutions, Farmers | Poor and low-income families |
| Focus Area | Business support, infrastructure, and research | Healthcare access and affordability |
| Type of Benefit | Grants, training, and funding support | Insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family |
Both schemes aim to strengthen India’s healthcare system AYUSH focuses on preventive wellness and business empowerment, while Ayushman Bharat focuses on curative healthcare and financial protection.
Impact of the AYUSH Scheme
Since its inception, the AYUSH Scheme has significantly boosted India’s wellness ecosystem:
- Over 700 AYUSH hospitals established.
- More than 4,000 dispensaries co-located in government health centers.
- Thousands of startups and MSMEs supported under NAM and cluster schemes.
- Increased export of Ayurvedic and herbal products to over 100 countries.
This clearly shows how AYUSH is not only promoting health but also generating employment and global recognition for Indian wellness brands.
StartupFlora – Your Scheme Guide for Business Growth
If you are planning to launch a herbal, Ayurvedic, or wellness-based business, StartupFlora acts as your guide. The platform helps you:
- Discover relevant government schemes.
- Understand eligibility and documentation requirements.
- Get end-to-end support for registration, certification, and funding.
With StartupFlora, entrepreneurs can confidently access government benefits and scale their AYUSH-based businesses faster.
Similar Schemes for Business Growth
Apart from AYUSH, several other government programs support entrepreneurs in the wellness and healthcare industry:
- PMEGP (Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme) – for manufacturing and service startups.
- Stand-Up India Scheme – collateral-free loans for entrepreneurs.
- MSME Loan Schemes – financial support for small businesses.
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana – support for artisans and traditional skill-based professions.
Conclusion
The AYUSH Scheme is more than a government program. It’s a bridge between India’s traditional knowledge and modern entrepreneurship. By combining health, wellness, and business growth, it’s helping India become a global wellness hub.
If you are passionate about Ayurveda, Yoga, or natural health, this is your chance to turn your passion into a sustainable business with AYUSH support.