KATHMANDU, Nepal : Ayurveda is a form of alternative healing and nowhere is it more widely practised than in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal.The Naradevi Ayurveda Campus, the constituent campus of the Institute of Medicine in Kathmandu, is the only university that provides a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.The institution runs graduate courses, with 15 admissions per year.
One student said, "In my Ayurvedic studies, I get an integrated approach towards understanding modern medicine along with the traditional."With a history of around 88 years, Naradevi Ayurveda Hospital is located in the central part of the town.Among the 300 patients that they examine everyday at the hospital, over 75 percent come for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.Statistics show that the hospital treated over 50,000 patients last year.Apart from the government-owned Naradevi Ayurveda Hospital, there are a number of private Ayurveda centres in the capital.
The prospects in the Ayurveda industry depends heavily upon the awareness of the potential of Ayurvedic medicine within the country and internationally.While it may take some time before Ayurveda is recognised as a more acceptable form of alternative healing, Nepal is striving to make its mark on the global arena.Over 2,100 medicinal herbs are indigenous to Nepal.Such plants bring out an immense potential for the production of Ayurvedic medicines.
The first-ever traditional pharmaceutical company of the country, Vaidyakhana, has a 350-year-old history.Vaidyakhana produces Ayurvedic paste, oils and tablets in huge amounts.Although Vaidyakhana has expanded its modern equipment, the company still prefers traditional preparation methods when it comes to boiling.
Channel NewsAsia, Singapore
July 18, 2004 Rumee Singh
www.channelnewsasia.com
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