A Breath of Fresh Air: Herbal Gardens for Teaching Hospitals

The State government has decided to develop herbal gardens within government teaching hospital premises to provide a calm and refreshing environment for patients and their attendants. The initiative aims to ease stress caused by congestion and constant activity commonly seen in hospitals, while ensuring access to fresh air and a pleasant ambience.

Health and Medical Education Minister Satyakumar Yadav said the project focuses on transforming hospital surroundings by integrating natural elements, rather than restricting development to infrastructure alone. The move, he noted, is intended to promote mental well-being and comfort for those seeking medical care.

In the first phase, authorities have identified 35 hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). These include VIMS and the ENT Hospital in Visakhapatnam , the Tirupati Maternity Hospital , and the Palasa Kidney Research Institute , among other specialised institutions. The proposed gardens will be equipped with seating areas, walking tracks, and safe drinking water facilities , allowing patients and visitors to spend time in a relaxed setting. Depending on space availability, each garden will be developed over a minimum area of half an acre .

Around 40 varieties of medicinal plants , including Tulasi, Ashwagandha, Bilva, Ranapala, and Brahmi , will be planted in these gardens. Designed with the support of the AP Urban Greening and Beautification Corporation , the herbal gardens are expected to function as living learning spaces for medical students, offering practical exposure to medicinal plants while benefiting patients and hospital visitors.