Nathnagar (Bhagalpur), April 25: Hope of revival of Jyotindramohan Astangh Ayurvedic College in the district, generated by none other than state health minister Ashwini Choubey, is fading fast as nothing has been done by the authorities so far.
Once famous for indigenous treatments and teaching eight branches of ayurveda, the sole ayurvedic college in Bhagalpur district became defunct, thanks to years of neglect and funds crisis.
Choubey, who represents this constituency, during his visit to the college on January 10 had assured to release Rs 1.25 crore for reviving the college. However, no funds have been released yet by the authorities, confirmed Bhagalpur civil surgeon Pritima Modi.
With an aim to provide indigenous treatments, social workers and vaidyas, including Pandit Hari Narayan Sukla, Yotindra Narayan and Dayaram Poddar took initiatives to start the college. India’s first President Rajendra Prasad laid the foundation stone of the college in 1946.
However, the standard of teaching at the college deteriorated after 1985 when the Bihar government took over the charge of the college.
Old timers recall, earlier more than 150 different ayurvedic medicines were prepared at the college’s laboratory and patients were accommodated in the indoor department of the hospital. The hospital management would also provide food and milk to the patients free of cost.
“A blue liquid medicine of the college was famous for healing any type of wound. Many poor patients, who didn’t have the money to buy medicines, were treated for free here,” said Dilip Sharma, a resident.
Another major blow was dealt to the college in 2005 when the Medical Council of India (MCI) cancelled its affiliation. Admission to the college was stopped by the MCI as it failed to fulfil basic criteria like 100-bed hostel, 100-bed hospital, herbal garden, a separate building for the college, furnished laboratory, library and adequate employees.
The college was finally closed in 2005 after only 100 students received degrees between 1985 and 2004. The hospital management did not take any initiative to reopen the college.
