Of late, Naradevi Ayurvedic Hospital, the country’s premier hospital practising this eastern system of medical therapy, is handicapped by the shortage of doctors. The hospital administration states that high-quality services require 24 doctors and 32 nurses to handle a daily rush of 300 patients. But currently, the hospital has only eight doctors (as against the quota of 10 doctors) and 10 nurses. The government is finalising new regulations for Ayurvedic treatment which will help add more doctors.

Every system of medicine has its own advantages and limitations. A sensible health policy should utilise the strengths of each system for the public’s benefit. More and more Nepalis are taking to Ayurveda and Yoga for the prevention and treatment of diseases as these are almost devoid of side-effects. Although the importance of Allopathy and its diagnostic and curative aspects cannot be underestimated, it is possible in the rush to adopt modern medicine, the strengths of traditional medicine can get and have actually been neglected. This trend has to be reversed. Nepal provides a fertile ground for the growth of Ayurveda, as its mountains are endowed with a rich variety of plant life. While emphasis on modern medicine should not be reduced, alternative systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy also need equally to be highlighted. This requires larger funding, facilities, manpower and research.