Kathmandu, May 5: Minister for Health and Population Bhanubhakta Dhakal has asserted that alternative remedy will be emphasized besides modern and allopathic treatment to prevent and control the COVID-19 in the country.

Receiving a monetary assistance worth Rs 300,000 from Sowa Rigpa Association Nepal here today, Minister Dhakal shared that the government has issued directives to resort to Ayurveda as well as alternative remedy for prevention of infections like COVID-19.

Stating that the government was receiving significant support in its fight against the deadly infection, Minister Dhakal expressed his confidence that such a support would go a long way in battling the infection.

Association’s President Amchi Dr Tenzing Dharke Gurung said that his Association was ready to provide medicine and conduct mobile health camps to help prevent and control the infections.

The government of Nepal has issued directives asking all the seven provinces to embrace alternative treatment methods and Ayurveda as a preventive measures against infections like COVID-19 and others.

The government of Nepal recognizes several alternative treatment methods like homeopathic, naturopathy, Unani and acupuncture treatment practices and has recognized the use of herbal medicines to increase the immune power in human’s body.

Sowa Rigpa, an alternative treatment method, stresses on the use of herbal medicines to boost the immune system and to cure the communicable diseases.

Dr Gurung spoke of the need to use locally available herbal medicines such as turmeric, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom among others having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties to bolster immune system.

By resorting to alternative treatment system such as Sowa Rigpa method Association’s general-secretary Dr Nima Tshering Nepali argues that it would help manage the natural resources as well and help ensure robust health for the humans. Sowa Rigpa, a traditional medical treatment system, is believed to have been propounded by the Gautam Buddha some 2,600 years ago.