Growing attraction to Ayurvedic treatment

By Anil Parajuli,Hetauda, Nov.30: The popularity of Ayurveda is on the rise among the public. Its popularity is driven by its affordability and the perception that Ayurvedic medicines have fewer side effects compared to other treatments.

According to the Ayurveda and Alternative Treatment Centre in Makwanpur, 14,264 people have utilised its services in the past four months of the current fiscal year. 

Dr. Lalita Pandey, an Ayurvedic physician at the centre, shared that 6,509 people accessed outpatient services, 1,780 received Panchakarma and Purvakarma treatments, 1,738 benefited from Citizen Health Services and 1,900 utilised laboratory services. 

Similarly, 327 people accessed yoga services, 398 senior citizens received dedicated care, 34 utilised mammography services, 762 received acupuncture treatment and 816 availed of physiotherapy services, said Prem Shankar Prasad, the centre's statistics focal person.

Dr. Pandey highlighted that interest in Ayurveda is growing steadily. She attributed this trend to the belief that Ayurvedic medicines cause fewer side effects compared to other treatments. Common ailments treated include gastric issues, joint and nerve pain, piles, common cold and fever. 

The centre also distributes 23 types of medicines free of charge, as designated by the Government of Nepal.

Currently, the district has six Citizen Health Service Centers and three Ayurvedic dispensaries providing services. Citizen Health Service Centres operate in Manahari, Raksirang, Kailash, Bagmati and Indrasarobar rural municipalities, as well as Thaha Municipality. In addition, Ayurvedic dispensaries in Churiamai of Hetauda-15, Hatia of Hetauda-17 and Kakada of Raksirang are serving patients.

Binod Kumar Sah, an Ayurvedic Inspector at the District Ayurvedic Health Centre in Makwanpur, said that many patients in the area suffer from arthritis and skin-related issues.