The Centre’s recent decision to rename the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres to Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs (AAM) has ignited a wave of opposition from the Northeastern states of Mizoram and Nagaland. These states have cited the “sentiments” of their societies and the significant role of the church in their communities as primary reasons for their objections, urging the Centre to reconsider or exempt them from this renaming initiative.
Mizoram and Nagaland, with their predominantly Christian populations, have expressed that the term “Mandir,” which denotes a Hindu place of worship, may not resonate well with their societal and religious ethos. The records indicate that officials from these states have formally communicated their concerns to the Centre, emphasizing the potential cultural discord that the new nomenclature could foster.
For these communities, the term “Mandir” carries specific religious connotations that are incongruent with the Christian faith, which is deeply interwoven into the social fabric of Mizoram and Nagaland. The apprehension is that using such a term for healthcare facilities might be perceived as an imposition of a particular cultural and religious identity, undermining the secular and inclusive spirit that these states strive to maintain.
In January of this year, Mizoram formally requested an exemption from the directive to rebrand existing Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM). Principal Secretary Esther Lal Ruatkimi conveyed these concerns in a letter to the then Union Health Secretary.
Ruatkimi highlighted the unique demographic composition of Mizoram, noting that over 90% of the population identifies as Christian. She expressed apprehension that the proposed rebranding could generate negative sentiments among the residents, potentially undermining public support for health initiatives. “It is felt that to continue to garner public support for public health activities for health promotion, this rebranding may foster adverse sentiments among the populace towards the government,” she wrote.
Given these considerations, Ruatkimi requested that Mizoram be exempted from the rebranding effort to ensure continued positive engagement with public health activities in the state. This move underscores the importance of aligning health initiatives with the cultural and religious sensibilities of local populations to maintain effective public health strategies.
In March this year, the state government of Nagaland expressed strong concerns regarding a directive to rename Ayushman Bharat and Wellness Centres. V Kezo, Nagaland’s Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare articulated the state’s objections, emphasizing the cultural and religious sensitivities of the local population.
Kezo highlighted that renaming these centres could potentially offend the religious sentiments of Nagaland’s predominantly Christian community. The Church, along with various civil society organizations, is expected to strongly oppose this move. Given the potential for significant backlash, the state government has formally requested an exemption from this directive.
Mizoram and Nagaland, with their predominantly Christian populations, have expressed that the term “Mandir,” which denotes a Hindu place of worship, may not resonate well with their societal and religious ethos. For these communities, the term “Mandir” carries specific religious connotations that are incongruent with the Christian faith, which is deeply interwoven into the social fabric of Mizoram and Nagaland. The apprehension is that using such a term for healthcare facilities might be perceived as an imposition of a particular cultural and religious identity, undermining the secular and inclusive spirit that these states strive to maintain.
The Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, established under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, are crucial in providing accessible and affordable healthcare to millions across India. These centres focus on comprehensive primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health services, non-communicable disease prevention, and wellness activities.
In Mizoram and Nagaland, these centres have become vital in bridging the healthcare gap, particularly in remote and rural areas. The states’ preference to retain the original nomenclature underscores their desire to keep the focus on the health and wellness aspect rather than intertwining it with cultural or religious implications.
As of now, Mizoram and Nagaland continue to use the original term “health and wellness centre” while awaiting a response from the Centre regarding their objections. The delay in a clear directive from the Centre has created a state of limbo, with healthcare officials and local governments in these states keenly watching for any updates that might address their concerns. The Centre’s ability to navigate this delicate issue will not only impact the healthcare delivery in Mizoram and Nagaland but also set a precedent for how cultural sensitivities are handled in future policy decisions.
