{"id":22098,"date":"2026-08-09T10:32:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T04:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=22098"},"modified":"2026-08-09T10:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T04:47:19","slug":"pradip-paudel-thanks-government-as-singha-durbar-vaidyakhana-reports-fourfold-growth-in-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=22098","title":{"rendered":"Pradip Paudel Thanks Government as Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana Reports Fourfold Growth in Business<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dragon Media Correspondent<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nepali Congress General Secretary and former Health Minister Pradip Paudel has expressed appreciation for the government\u2019s efforts after Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana reported a fourfold increase in business, expanded medicine production and moved toward greater self reliance in the production of 35 medicines distributed free of cost.<\/p>\n

In a social media statement on Sunday, Paudel said he was pleased that policies, programs and strategic plans introduced during his tenure as health minister were receiving continuity and helping generate momentum within Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana and the broader Ayurveda sector.<\/p>\n

According to Paudel, the 370 year old Vaidyakhana had at one point been reduced to producing only around 20 types of medicines. A five year strategic plan was subsequently introduced to revive the institution, with priorities including expanded production, a larger market share, Good Manufacturing Practice standards and stronger domestic medicine manufacturing capacity.<\/p>\n

Paudel described plans to increase the number of medicines produced by the Vaidyakhana from 105 to 150 and the goal of producing 35 free medicines domestically as positive developments.<\/p>\n

He recalled that during his tenure, a 10 year National Ayurveda Strategy was advanced with the long term objective of reducing the burden of communicable diseases, while a priority five year strategic plan was introduced to restore Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana.<\/p>\n

According to Paudel, preparations were also made to operate a Panchakarma and Yoga Center in Budhanilkantha, secure approval for the necessary staffing structure and launch the Swarna Bindu Prashan initiative from Sudurpaschim.<\/p>\n

He said plans were developed to expand the Citizen Arogya Program to all local levels, including 144 municipalities and rural municipalities where Ayurveda services had not previously reached. The program\u2019s budget was doubled to Rs 1.4 billion, while procedures were also developed to introduce yoga and naturopathy services in health facilities with five, 10 and 15 beds.<\/p>\n

Paudel said policies related to Good Manufacturing Practice were advanced to promote domestic production and exports, with four Nepali companies receiving recognition and the role of pharmacists in the distribution system being expanded. He also said arrangements were initiated to allow students of Sowa Rigpa to participate in licensing examinations.<\/p>\n

He further said work had begun to establish a Drug Research and Development Unit, a Botanical Authority and an Ayurveda Studies Academy. Legal and regulatory measures, including the Ayurveda Medicine Regulation 2081, were also drafted, while a policy was advanced to procure 35 free medicines directly from Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana.<\/p>\n

Paudel also highlighted efforts to secure resources for expanding the Ayurveda hospital at Nardevi to 100 beds, link Ayurveda services with the Nepal Army hospital system and include Ayurveda in Nepal\u2019s 16th periodic development plan.<\/p>\n

At the international level, he said initiatives were undertaken to deepen cooperation with neighboring countries, present Nepal\u2019s Ayurveda practices at platforms including the World Health Organization and BIMSTEC, and begin costing exercises with Norwegian cooperation to explore the inclusion of Ayurveda medicines and specialized services in the national health insurance system.<\/p>\n

Paudel urged the current government to fully implement the Vaidyakhana\u2019s five year strategic plan and link the proposed herbal processing center with the Drug Research and Development Unit, while increasing state investment in research.<\/p>\n

He also recommended that the 35 free Ayurveda medicines be distributed through Citizen Arogya Centers across the country, including the 144 newly covered local levels.<\/p>\n

Once domestic manufacturers meet GMP standards, Paudel said Nepal should intensify diplomatic efforts to expand international markets for locally produced Ayurveda medicines.<\/p>\n

He also called for better management of raw material procurement and stronger incentives for commercial cultivation of medicinal herbs.<\/p>\n

To improve access for economically disadvantaged citizens, Paudel recommended integrating specialized Ayurveda services and medicines into the national health insurance system.<\/p>\n

Emphasizing that institutional progress depends on continuity of sound public policy, Paudel welcomed the current government\u2019s decision to carry forward several initiatives launched under the previous administration.<\/p>\n

He also said he would continue supporting positive government measures that strengthen public health institutions and expand access to Ayurveda services.<\/p>\n

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