Mangaluru: Shivamogga is likely to get Karnataka’s first AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy next year.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader announced this here to the media on Sunday. Khader said that it required at least 100 acres for the university and the government might get the land in Shimoga. He also said that, in addition to academic activities, the university would conduct research and development.

Mr. Khader said that the government has begun issuing bio-metric cards to AYUSH doctors in the State. It would help in identifying them and keeping away quacks.

He said that unless Ayurveda doctors stopped prescribing allopathic medicines, ayurvedic would not grow. “Ayurveda doctors should practice Ayurveda only,” he said.

Ban on sale of loose cigarettes

He said the WHO has warned India that it was becoming the capital of oral cancer. He announced that the health department has decided to ban chewing tobacco. A proposal was pending before the government. It was yet to be placed before the Cabinet for its decision. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would take a final decision. “It may be a matter of time. It may be implemented soon,” he said.

The Minister said banning the sale of loose cigarettes was one way of reducing the incidence of nicotine addiction and that that the Health Department has decided to ban sale of loose cigarettes. Instead, it has proposed that the government issue on order for selling only packed cigarettes. As packed cigarettes were costly, it might discourage youth to purchase them.

He reiterated that there was no proposal to ban areca nut or arecanut products.