The Central Ayurveda Vidyapeetha, operated under the Institute of Ayurveda at Nepal Sanskrit University, has resumed its Outpatient Department (OPD) services.
University Rector Prof. Dr. Jagannath Regmi inaugurated the service during a special ceremony held on Ashoj 13, 2083, accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns.
A one-day free health camp was also organized by the teaching dispensary to mark the occasion. More than 100 patients received consultations and treatment from Ayurveda specialist doctors for conditions associated with Vata, Pitta and Kapha, as well as diabetes, skin diseases and gynecological problems.
The outpatient department had remained inactive since the COVID-19 period. Due to the prolonged closure, students pursuing the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) program had been required to attend practical and clinical training sessions at other Ayurvedic healthcare facilities.
The resumption of OPD services is expected to address the difficulties students had faced in accessing practical training within their own institution.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Regmi said interest in Ayurvedic medicine was increasing worldwide and that Nepal Sanskrit University remained committed to its development.
Newly appointed Registrar Prof. Dr. Nawaraj Kattel, who attended as a special guest, recalled the historical development of Ayurveda in Nepal, from the Licchavi and Malla periods to the establishment of Singha Durbar Vaidyakhana during the rule of Chandra Shumsher.
He emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to develop Ayurveda education, treatment services and institutional facilities.
Registrar Prof. Dr. Kattel revealed that the Lumbini Province Government had allocated Rs. 30 million (Rs. 3 crore) for the construction of a 200-bed Ayurvedic treatment facility.
However, he said the allocated funding was lost due to internal disputes and delays in taking the necessary initiatives.
Despite the setback, Kattel expressed a commitment to renewing efforts toward constructing the facility. He said the university would focus on developing the treatment center and enhancing the reputation of both Dang district and Nepal Sanskrit University.
He also informed participants that the foundation stone for a hostel for Ayurveda students had recently been laid and that medicine production activities had begun.
Dr. Mangalakanta Jha, Principal of Central Ayurveda Vidyapeetha, said the campus had not yet been adequately equipped with the necessary facilities due to various challenges.
He expressed confidence that the new university leadership would prioritize the establishment and management of a medicine manufacturing unit, equipment and other essential machinery.
His remarks highlighted the institution's need to strengthen infrastructure supporting Ayurvedic education, practical training and healthcare services.
Executive Council Member Associate Prof. Dr. Raghunath Nepal and Chandrabahadur, Chairman of the Bilwakunja Area Development Committee and a local social worker, also addressed the ceremony.
Dr. Surendra Chaudhary delivered the welcome remarks, while Premraj Khadka, a Kaviraj at the Vidyapeetha, conducted the program.
The ceremony began with prayers dedicated to Saraswati and Dhanvantari.
Participants included Sudhan Kumar Paudel, Executive Director of the Research Center; Tikaram Udasi, Director of the National Cultural Center; Pravesh Srivastava, Director of the Provincial Ayurveda Hospital; Dr. Rajeshwar Aryal, Assistant Dean of the Institute of Ayurveda; Associate Prof. Uday Raj Subedi, Principal of the University's Vidyapeetha; and Deepak Bohara, a journalist with the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS).
Various department heads, professors, students and more than 400 service recipients also attended the event.
During the ceremony, other healthcare workers were honored for their contributions. Principal Dr. Jha also presented medicinal products as gifts to the guests.
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