Discussion to improve Ayurveda service

Kathmandu, July 22: A high-level discussion was held on Wednesday to ensure further effectiveness of Ayurveda service and integrate it with the overall health system. 

The discussion held in the presence of Minister for Health and Food Safety, Nisha Mehta, dwelt on the reforms of Ayurveda and alternative medicines, expansion of service and policy management. 

On the occasion, special emphasis was laid on developing Nepal as a destination of Ayurvedic tourism. 

Sharing that the Ayurveda and alternative medicines has been on the government's priority, she said its protection, promotion and advancement should be carried out linking them with health tourism. 

The minister expressed government's commitment to cooperate for the sector's development through necessary policy and institutional measures. 

Also discussed was to develop Pokhara-based Gandaki Ayurveda Hospital, Kirtipur-based Ayurveda Research and Training Centre, Budhanilakantha-based National Ayurveda Panchakarma Tatha Yoga Kendra as the local Ayurvedic health tourism hubs. 

The ministry said it would advance the strategy to establish Nepal as an attractive destination of Ayurvedic health tourism by developing infrastructure, service, specialization, and international level wellness service. 

Also on the occasion, the participants recommended including Ayurveda service in health insurance programme, carry out organization and management survey, strengthen Ayurveda related structure at the ministry and upgrade herbal medicinal production up to the mark of the World Health Organization. (RSS)