Traditional Medicine in Asia

Traditional medicine
in Nepal
Nepal is one of the richest countries in
culture, tradition, knowledge of
Ayurveda and other traditional medical
practices. Ayurveda is a cultural and
scientific heritage of this country. Nepal
has been free from major foreign invasions
in its history and has unique socio-cultural
and traditional practices. Both culturally
and traditionally, the country has been a
bridge between India, Tibet and China.
Since pre-historical times, there have been
many ethnic groups in Nepal possessing
unique cultural and healing practices.
These unbroken traditions of healing
practices play a big role in Nepal’s health
care systems.
Traditional Medical Systems
in Nepal
The traditional medical systems in Nepal
are as follows:
Ayurveda
This is the oldest authentically recorded lifescience
in existence today. This is a part of
the National Health System and has a
Government-run network throughout the
country.
Traditional medicine in Nepal
Rishi Ram Koirala
Institutions and Networks of
Ayurveda in Nepal
The main Governmental organizations for
Ayurveda are as follows.
Department of Ayurveda
This is the highest institution under the
Ministry of Health for Ayurveda in the
country. The Department is responsible for
Ayurveda Health Policy, implementation,
planning, monitoring and provision of
services throughout the country. This
department was established in 1981 and
consists of the following network:
Ayurvedic Hospitals
There are two Ayurvedic hospitals: a 100bed
hospital located in Kathmandu and a
15-bed hospital in Dang district in the
Middle-west region.
District Ayurveda Health Centres
There are 50 district Ayurvedic health
centres, one in each district, and it is
proposed to open five every year till all
districts (75) are covered. These institutions
are based on the New Ayurveda Health
Policy.
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