The states of Mizoram and Nagaland have expressed their opposition to renaming a health centre as a temple, citing religious sensitivities and possibly constitutional concerns related to secularism. They have formally communicated this stance to the central government, urging against the proposed renaming. What is renaming all aboutIt is important to note that this has come after the northern states have objected to the Centers plan to rename the flagship Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Center as Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs (AAM).These two states voiced concerns and asked to be exempted from this renaming process, citing the sentiments of the church and society. These states are still referring to their facilities as health and wellness centres while they wait for the Center to respond to their objection.This has come after Union Health Ministry last year pushed for the name change of the 1.6 lakh primary health centers that make up the nations flagship Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness. These centres are now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir, bearing the tagline “Arogyam Parmam Dhanam” (health is the greatest wealth).The change was first communicated in November via a letter to the states by the Mission Director of the National Health Mission, LS Changsan. It made the changes to the website directly. But asking for the exemption, the Mizoram Principal Secretary expressed her concerns to the Union Health Secretary.Meanwhile, according to the sources, the states have highlighted that they will continue using the previous names. However, the Union Health Ministry has not given any elicited response. This issue highlights the delicate balance between religious sentiments and state policies in India, where secularism is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution.
