KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has said that the Ministry will take the responsibility for market management if the Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Vikas Samiti manufactured sufficient Ayurvedic medicines.
Addressing a programme organized on the occasion of the Samiti's anniversary, the National Arogya Day and the Dhanawantari Jayanti today, he urged the Samiti (Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Development Committee) to immediately increase its production. He said the Ministry was ready to manage the market for its productions.
The Health Minister viewed that the foreign imported Ayurvedic medicines could be displaced by making arrangements for the sale and distribution of the domestically-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines at all the local levels throughout the country.
"The Vaidyakhana should enhance its capacity not only to become self-sufficient but also for export purpose. If the production is increased, we will put a halt on their import," he added.
Stating that there is no option for the Vaidyakhana other than to earn by increasing its production, Minister Paudel believed that the financial condition of the entity would improve if its income was guaranteed.
"The government will support and coordinate in selling the medicines if the Committee took initiatives for improving its financial status by increasing the production. The Committee's works would be continued through this initiative and at the same time it will be easier for the government to provide remuneration and facilities to the employees," he said and added that it would not be comfortable for the government to continue with an entity that is always operating in loss.
The Health Minister sought the support and cooperation of all the stakeholders in addressing the problem. He said the Vaidyakhana carried special significance in terms of its uniqueness, legacy and identity.
"Vaidyakhana is an institution that is run according to Nepal's traditional system. Along with our tradition, spirituality and history are also connected with it. This is our culture and tradition. The Samiti's production is on a decreasing trend these days. If a condition comes in which the Vaidyakhana itself has to be closed down, then our unique identity will also be collapsed," he added.
House of Representatives, Public Account Committee president Santosh Chalise expressed his commitment to make initiatives for managing the budget required for upgrading of the Vaidyakhana.
Former Minister of State for Home Affairs and president of Nepal Maharshi Foundation, Deepak Prakash Baskota said that they would increase the medicine production from Vaidyakhana enough for export as well provided that the government created the environment for the same.
Health Secretary Dr Roshan Pokharel said the Ministry was positive if the Vaidyakhana wanted to advance ahead assessing its capacity.
Dr Shyam Babu Yadav, president of Nepal Ayurveda Medical Association, called attention of the Ministry towards increasing the capacity of Vaidyakhana.
Committee Chairperson Prof Dr Thakur Prasad Duwadi also called attention of the Ministry towards making the Vaidyakhana self-reliant and financially strong.
On the occasion, Minister Paudel and the distinguished guests released the 10th edition of Chandra Nighantu, a compendium on Ayurvedic medicine.
Vaudyakhana was established during the reign of King Pratap Malla and was housed at Hanumandhoka. Later it was shifted to Thapathali Durbar and to Singha Durbar. It was converted into the status of a Development Committee in 2052 BS.
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