CUTTACK, Sept. 22 -- Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday laid foundation-stone for a 300-bed Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital in the premises of the Sri Sri University here. University founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was present, among other dignitaries.

Stating that Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old traditional healing science, has become the new trend all over, Patnaik announced that a new

AYUSH hospital will also be established in Dhenkanal soon.

He added the State Government has recognised Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy systems of medicine as viable complementing methods of healthcare since long. About 800 Ayurvedic clinics and five hospitals are functioning in the State now, he informed.

"The growth of health...