Health Minister Nisha Mehta Inspects National Ayurveda Center, Pushes for Excellence Amid Staffing Woes

Health Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta recently conducted a high-stakes inspection of the National Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Yoga Center in Budhanilkantha, marking a critical moment for Nepal's traditional healthcare infrastructure. During her Saturday visit, Mehta explicitly stressed the urgent need to transform the facility into an excellent service center, focusing on immediate improvements to infrastructure, service quality, and long-term expansion strategies.

A Vision for Traditional Healthcare Excellence

Mehta's inspection was not merely a ceremonial walkthrough; it involved substantive discussions with center officials regarding the facility's operational readiness. The minister highlighted that the center must serve as a flagship model for Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Yoga services, aligning with the government's broader "Healthy Nepal" campaign that promotes physical wellbeing and traditional health practices . Her directive underscores a commitment to preserving and promoting Ayurveda and traditional healthcare systems at a national level .

Critical Staffing Shortages Threaten Launch

Despite the minister's optimistic vision, the center faces significant operational hurdles. Reports indicate that the government is set to launch the National Ayurveda and Panchakarma Programme, yet the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine warns that the allocated budget for the next fiscal year is insufficient for effective implementation .

The most pressing issue is a severe lack of manpower. Department spokesperson and Ayurveda practitioner Dr. Punya Keshari revealed that while the government announced full operational status for the fiscal year, the required staff have yet to be recruited . To operate at full capacity, the center requires approximately 86 personnel, including 15 doctors and various technical staff members . Acting Director Dr. Shyambabu Yadav confirmed this critical gap, noting that the facility cannot deliver its promised services without this workforce .

Infrastructure and Future Expansion

Mehta's discussions with officials also centered on physical infrastructure and future expansion plans. The center, established in March 2024 at Budhanilkantha, is part of a triad of traditional health facilities including the National Ayurvedic Research Centre and Naradevi Ayurvedic Hospital . The minister's push for development suggests an intent to address the current gaps in facilities and staffing to ensure the center can meet the demands of the national health program .

As Nepal moves forward with its health sector reforms, the success of the Budhanilkantha center will likely serve as a benchmark for how the government integrates traditional medicine into modern public health delivery. The immediate challenge remains bridging the gap between the minister's vision of excellence and the reality of an understaffed, under-resourced facility.