Herbal gardens to come up in teaching hospitals across Andhra Pradesh

In an innovative step aimed at enhancing the healing environment in government hospitals, the Andhra Pradesh Health Department has initiated plans to establish herbal gardens in all teaching and specialty hospitals across the state. These green spaces are being designed to provide comfort and relaxation to patients, attendants, and medical staff.

The proposed herbal gardens will feature a variety of medicinal and flowering plants along with walking tracks, seating arrangements, and drinking water facilities. Officials have begun identifying suitable locations within hospital premises to develop these gardens in a systematic and aesthetically pleasing manner.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister Satyakumar Yadav announced that the initiative will be implemented in the first phase across all hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). This includes major institutions such as King George Hospital and other DME hospitals, the SWIMS and ENT hospitals in Visakhapatnam, the Maternity Hospital in Tirupati, the Kidney Research Institute in Palasa, and several other specialty medical facilities.

“The aim is to create a soothing atmosphere within hospital campuses through greenery and medicinal plants, which will benefit not only patients but also their caregivers,” the Minister stated. The Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation will also partner in the implementation of this project.

As part of the initiative, a wide range of medicinal plants such as Tulasi, Amla, Bilva, Moringa, Ashwagandha, Rosemary, Ranapala, Aloe Vera, Ashoka, Turmeric, and Brahmi will be planted. Depending on the availability of space, each garden will accommodate a minimum of 15 to 40 varieties of plants.

Officials have said that wherever at least half an acre of land is available within hospital premises, it will be developed into a well-maintained herbal garden. Walking tracks will be laid out to enable patients to take short strolls as part of their recovery process. The gardens will also provide a peaceful resting space for attendants who accompany in-patients. Avula Chandrasekhar, Chief Executive Officer of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Board, explained that the initiative is also being undertaken with medical students in mind. “These gardens will serve as practical learning spaces where students can gain first-hand knowledge about various medicinal plants,” he said.

The department also plans to seek financial support from donors and philanthropic organizations for the development and maintenance of these gardens. The idea gained momentum following a recent review meeting where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prioritize the establishment of herbal gardens in government hospitals.

Authorities believe that the project will not only beautify hospital campuses but also contribute to the physical and mental well-being of patients, making healthcare spaces more humane and eco-friendly.