KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah has expressed concern over the condition of the Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Vikas Samiti, saying its status reflected the nation's overall situation.
Addressing the programme organized to mark the Rastriya Arogya Diwas and Dhanawantari Diwas as well as the 30th anniversary of Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Vikas Samiti here today, he said an institution with the potential of making big contribution to the country's economy itself becoming enfeebled us a matter of concern.
"One has to look at the status of the Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana if one wanted to see why and how the nation is failing and what the problem is. Ninety percent of the state-run industries are rented out and if not they are made to collapse under the influence and pressure from the private corporations," he said, pointing out the reasons why the government-run industries and enterprises are making losses.
Mayor Shah pointed out to the need of collective efforts to prevent the Vaidyakhana from becoming bankrupt. "The Ayurvedic health treatment system is our culture and tradition. The way we follow the Sanatana Dharma, in the same way we adhere to this system," he said.
Recalling his childhood days growing up around the Vaidyakhana premises, Mayor Shah called attention of all the stakeholders for the smooth operation and development of this institution.
"Before, a large area was empty at this very site. A large quantity of herbal medicines used to be produced. Now, there are buildings all around and the production of medicines is low. The budget allocated to the Vaidyakhana was Rs 50 million in 2058/59 BS; it is Rs 10 million now," he added.
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