In a bid to achieve the objective of holistic healthcare system, the government on Monday announced it will formulate a new health policy that is universally accessible, affordable and effective. “Our country needs a holistic healthcare system that is universally accessible, affordable and effective. To achieve this objective, my government will formulate a New Health Policy and roll out a National Health Assurance Mission,” President Pranab Mukherjee said in his address. He said the mission will promote naturopathy and AYUSH (ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha and homeopathy). On the issue of scarce manpower in the field of health, the President also said that health education and training will be transformed to overcome the problem. India has a shortage around 6.4 million allied health professionals, according to a study. Mr Mukherjee also said, “AIIMS-like institutes will be established in every state in a phased manner.”