Page 88 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

Policy 2019 and its strategy 6.7.1. Fifteenth plan of Government of Nepal (2019/20-

2023/24) has guided for planned development & expansion of Ayurveda, Naturopathy,
Homeopathy & other alternative medicines.

More specifically, it says:
1) Structural development suitable for identification, prevention, collection &

promotion of locally available medicinal herbs, minerals & animal origin
medicines.

2) Management & regulation of other alternative medicines based on standards
& norms.

3) Establishment of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy Centre and utilisation of
Ayurveda for promotion of health tourism.

Country Policy on Traditional Medicine

1. Regulation of Ayurveda and herbal medicines

Regulation of Ayurveda and herbal medicines is also done by Department
of Drug Administration (DDA) as in other allopathic medicines. There is a

dedicated unit in DDA for regulation of Ayurvedic medicines. Herbal medicines
are categorized as prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, self-

medication and over the counter (OTC) medicines. However, this categorisation
is much blurred in practice. Similarly, a national-level regulation on Indigenous

Traditional Medicine providers and Ayurvedic Medicine providers is also in
place since 2001.

Traditional and indigenous knowledge and practices are also regulated
by more or less structured customs, traditions and lately after promulgation

of federalism also by the local governments and local laws.
GMP practices are sought in manufacturing of Ayurvedic and other

herbal medicine and many Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies are opting
for GMP practices in recent years. Regulations for GMP are generally the

same as those for conventional pharmaceuticals, and they require adherence
to manufacturing information in recognised classical texts, pharmacopoeias

and monographs. Currently there are no strict mechanisms to ensure compliance.

2. Regulation of Human resources
T&CM providers practice in public and private sector clinics and
Nepal
hospitals. Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council (NAMC) an authorised body of
the Federal Government issues the T&CM licence required to practice in the

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