Yogi Government Offers Arthritis Treatment for Just ₹1 in Varanasi

Treatment underway at Arthritis Treatment and Advanced Research Centre in Government Ayurvedic College

5,911 arthritis patients treated in 7 months

Initiative launched in all 8 government Ayurvedic colleges in the state

Varanasi – In a major initiative for arthritis patients, the Yogi government has started offering treatment for arthritis-related ailments in Varanasi for just ₹1. This affordable and effective treatment is available at the Government Ayurvedic College, attracting a significant number of patients. In just 7 months, 5,911 patients have undergone treatment. The Arthritis Treatment and Advanced Research Centre has been set up at the Government Ayurvedic College in Chowkaghat. It is the first such center in Purvanchal, providing services from outpatient care to advanced research.

2,571 female and 3,340 male patients treated so far

Once neglected by previous governments, India’s ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine has been revived in Uttar Pradesh under the double-engine government. The Yogi administration has consistently worked to make healthcare more accessible to the general public. According to Prof. Manish Mishra, the nodal officer of the centre, the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD) sees around 350 patients daily, of which 50–60 patients visit the arthritis OPD. Seeing the rising number of arthritis cases, a dedicated arthritis centre was established at the Chowkaghat Ayurvedic College—Purvanchal’s first of its kind, combining OPD services and research facilities. Patients receive free Ayurvedic medicines related to arthritis, and modern equipment is also used in the treatment. Since its launch in September 2024, the center has treated 5,911 patients till April 30, 2025, including 2,571 women and 3,340 men.

Consultation, medicine, and treatment all for ₹1

At the Arthritis Centre, 19 specialised Ayurvedic medicines are being distributed free of cost. Advanced Ayurvedic therapies such as Panchakarma, Nadi Swed, Kati Basti, Janu Basti, Greeva Basti, Agni Karma, Viddha Karma, cupping, and Marma therapy are being administered. Patients also receive guidance on regular yoga, exercise, and a balanced, healthful diet. The first pilot arthritis treatment centre was set up in 2021 at the Government Postgraduate Ayurvedic College in Lucknow. Seeing its success and public benefit, the state government extended the initiative to all 8 government Ayurvedic colleges in Uttar Pradesh.

Rising cases due to poor lifestyle and eating habits

Prof. Mishra noted that arthritis was once common mostly among people above 60 years of age, but due to modern lifestyle, irregular diet, and poor daily routines, arthritis symptoms are now appearing in people as young as 40 years old. This shift has led to a steady rise in the number of patients suffering from the disease.