By Team Ayurved Sutra
Posted on
Free Panchakarma at NIA Sees Surge in Demand, Patients Face Long Waits
The National Institute of Ayurveda is witnessing a sharp rise in demand for Panchakarma therapies. As a result, the facility is facing overcrowding and long waiting periods.
Panchakarma treatments, which can cost up to Rs 2.5 lakh in private centres, are offered free at the institute. However, limited infrastructure has made it difficult to meet growing patient needs.
Limited Beds, Long Waiting Periods
The institute currently has only 48 general beds and five cottages for Panchakarma care. Meanwhile, around 200 patients visit daily seeking treatment.
Due to this imbalance, waiting periods have stretched to three to four months. In addition, patients often face delays even in urgent cases.
Patients Forced Into Makeshift Arrangements
In some cases, patients accept treatment in temporary spaces due to lack of beds. A woman from Punjab reportedly underwent therapy in a corridor after travelling to Jaipur.
She has been receiving treatment on a temporary bed placed in a gallery for over two weeks. Such situations highlight the pressure on existing facilities.
Effectiveness Keeps Patient Numbers High
Despite these challenges, demand continues to rise due to affordability and results. A patient from Indore reported improvement after 25 days of therapy for cervical spondylitis.
Many patients prefer NIA after trying other treatments without success. This trend has further increased the burden on the institute.
Nature of Therapy Limits Capacity
Doctors say Panchakarma treatments typically require 15 days to a month of admission. As a result, bed turnover remains slow.
The institute treats conditions such as joint pain, neurological disorders, paralysis, and skin diseases. Consequently, longer treatment durations add to the waiting list.
Data Shows Sharp Increase in Cases
Official data reflects the growing demand for Panchakarma services. In 2025, over 1.33 lakh procedures were conducted, benefiting around 68,000 patients.
Moreover, in the first three months of this year, over 26,000 procedures have already been recorded. Daily, more than 500 therapies are conducted across departments.
Experts Highlight Growing Burden
Dr. Gopesh Mangal, head of the Panchakarma department, said many patients arrive after trying other treatments. He noted that neurological and chronic conditions often require longer care.
This, in turn, increases pressure on the limited infrastructure and extends waiting times.
High Private Costs Drive Patient Inflow
The high cost of Panchakarma in private centres is another key factor. Daily sessions can range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, while packages may exceed Rs 1 lakh.
Comprehensive treatments, including accommodation, can cost up to Rs 2.5 lakh. Therefore, many patients turn to NIA for affordable care.
Expansion Plans Under Consideration
To address the issue, expansion plans are being explored. Prataprao Jadhav, Union AYUSH Minister, has supported the proposal.
Meanwhile, Bhajanlal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has assured land allocation for expansion.
Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions Planned
A committee has been formed to identify suitable land near Jaipur. However, approvals are still pending at the state level.
According to NIA Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, both long-term and short-term solutions are being pursued. The institute is also considering renting additional space to ease current pressure.
