Mangaluru : A two-day conference of AYUSH doctors would be organised at Nehru Maidan, Mangalore from November 22. It would be organised to discuss various aspects relating to strengthening Indian system of medicine. There would be interactive sessions with well known allopathic doctors like Deviprasad Shetty and B. M. Hegde, Said Health and Family Welfare U T Khader in a pressmeet on Sunday in Mangalore.

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 fake AYUSH doctors.

He reiterated that the health department in the State has decided to ban chewing tobacco. A proposal to this effect was pending before the government.

The State government will open an AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) university next year. It is likely to come up in Shivamogga but the venue might change, her said.

Mr. Khader said that it required at least 100 acres for the university and the government might get the land in Shimoga. In addition to academic activities the university would conduct research and development.