KATHMANDU: The two-day sixth conference of the Ayurveda Doctors’ Association of Nepal (ADAN) concluded today. The association expressed serious concern about the deteriorating condition of ayurvedic sector and the government’s apathy towards it.

Dr Shyam Mani Adhikari, president of ADAN, urged the government to take initiative to save the ancient methods of ayurveda and to extend the academic curriculum of ayurveda studies. He said the ayurveda studies had been till the bachelor’s level for the last 22 years.

“As the declaration of

the conference, we demand 10 per cent of the total budget of the health sector to be devoted to the ayurveda sector for its sustainable development,” said Adhikari.

He also urged the government to address the issues and problems of the ayurveda sector and create awareness among the people about the importance of its invaluable tradition.

Adhikari added that

they had demanded the government to include ayurveda services in government hospitals and urged the government to include ayurveda in the National Health Programme.

Adhikari said people opt for expensive medical treatment due to lack of awareness about the ancient techniques and medicines of ayrveda to cure diseases which is much more cheaper. He said that they were demanding the government to ensure the rights of ayurvedic practitioners and awareness among people about the importance of the dying practice.

ADAN has also demanded for the implementation

and revision of the existing provision regarding the ayurveda policy emphasising the need of management and research centres to uplift the sector.