Bhubaneswar, July 1 -- The Odisha government has urged the Centre to establish an All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the state, a move aimed at strengthening Ayurveda-based healthcare, medical education and research facilities.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling met Union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav in New Delhi and submitted a formal proposal seeking the establishment of the premier institute in Odisha.

According to the state government, setting up an AIIA in Odisha would provide a major boost to advanced Ayurvedic treatment, high-quality research and medical education. The institute is also expected to promote medical tourism and enhance access to specialised healthcare services for people in Od...