Bangalore, Feb 13 (IANS): The Karnataka government will soon set up a yoga and naturopathy council and allot 10 percent of the health budget in the ensuing fiscal (2012-13) to promote Indian systems of medicine comprising ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha and homeopathy (Ayush)

"Yoga and naturopathy are two native therapies that can prevent and cure several physical and psychosomatic ailments, especially diabetes and HIV+ cases, which have been increasing in the country of late. We hope Ayush will address these issues in the long-term," Medical Education Minister S.A. Ramadass said here Sunday.

Delivering the valedictory address at the five-day international conference on yoga and naturopathy, Ramadass said the state government would also set up a separate directorate of Ayush at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in the city to offer paramedical diploma and certificate courses in Indian systems of medicine.

"In addition, a Ayush rehab unit will be set up to treat HIV+ cases with natural remedies and form an international working group to promote yoga and naturopathy," the minister said.

Of the 5,000 delegates participating in the conference, to the ICYN, about 500 are from 25 countries the world over. About 300 research papers were presented during the five-day mega event by Indian and overseas scholars on yoga and naturopathy.

Organised by the state's Ayush department in association with institutes promoting yoga and naturopathy, the event is also holding an exhibition -- 'Arogya Expo 2012' -- showcasing various health products and natural remedies at the sprawling Bangalore Palace grounds in the city centre.