JUne 29th,Digitalization on Traditional Medicine

"Connecting Dots for Research Ecosystem in Nepal: Digitalization on Traditional Medicine." Programme was held successfully on the Sushruta Hall of National Ayurveda Training & Research Centre with great participation of Ayurveda Specialists, Scholars, IT Personnels, pharmaceuitc experts and related experts on research and digital health.

The session of Dr. Mohd Affendi let us dive into his experience on digitalizing Malay medicine from the very scratch. It has deeply questioned the Ayurveda Scholars that with mere samhitas where we have knowledge about diseases to medicine, medicine making, doses and usage methods, yet we feel lagging in proper digitalization and research works. It was really great to have him sharing his invaluable insights and his unimaginable efforts on Traditionaledicinr.

The session of Dr. Manish Deshmukh was quite impressive. Unwavering efforts from DMIHER deemed to be university on research on ayurveda medicine was appreciable. On the other hand, the grants and support the team has received shows the support of their nation for the promotion of Ayurveda and Traditional medicine.

Both the session has made the ayurveda Scholars interested to dive more into the research and digitalization of ayurveda and Traditional medicine.

And finally the Secretary of NAST, Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal put a valuable remark on the. Digitalization and Research activities in Ayurveda and Traditional medicine. His positive remarks on the program put surpluses on enthusiasm and synergized the scholars.

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Full report: Symposium on "Connecting Dots for Research Ecosystem in Nepal; Digitalization on Traditional Medicine."

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Report of the Rapporteur on the Symposium  on Digitalization on Traditional Medicine

Summary 

In this document, the Rapporteur for the Symposium on "Connecting Dots for Research Ecosystem in Nepal; Digitalization on Traditional Medicine." outlines the main points from the event that took place on 30th June2025 at NARTC, Kirtipur. The report captures the major themes addressed during the symposium, including the rationale behind the need for research and digitalization in traditional medicine in Nepal, and the significance of integration and collaboration between different bodies for the same.

The symposium highlighted the importance of research in traditional medicine in context of Nepal.The speakers highlighted the lack of digitalization and its impact in the diversification of  Ayurveda and complementary medicine in the world. 

Based on the discussions and feedback received, the Rapporteur highlights the significance of digital tools,the work that need to be done for the digitalization of text books,patient details and everything associated with the documentation. Similarly, the importance of research in various topics in vigorous amount was the major focus of the session.

Program Details: 

Event Name:Connecting Dots for Research Ecosystem in Nepal;Digitalization on Traditional Medicine.

Date: 30^th  June 2025 (Monday)

Time: 1:00-3:00 pm

Venue: Hall,NARTC, Kirtipur,Kathmandu,Nepal

Emcee: Deepika Sitaula

Speakers/Panelists:

Background:

The history of Ayurveda and alternative medicine in Nepal is vast and long.This system of medicine is time proven and relevant more than ever in the recent times of NCDs and mental illness. But the documentation and digitalization of texts,facts and findings is  being taken into consideration recently. In the growing world of science and technology,evidence based medicine is most accepted and Ayurveda and complementary medicine is yet to present its findings to establish itself as evidence based medicine specially in the context of Nepal. The symposium conducted aimed to create vibrant research environment by presenting the possibilities and methods of research in traditional medicine from different professors.It is expected to motivate and direct the scholars of Ayurveda and complementary medicine in the field of research and digitalization.

Organizers and Collaboration

The event was jointly organized by IMDF Nepal,2012 and NARTC to foster academic discussions on digitalization in Traditional medicine and research works. IMDF,Nepal has been actively advocating the integrative system of medicine and organizing CME,seminars, convocations and symposium to enhance the knowledge of integrative medicine and importance of research culture in the field of Ayurveda and alternative medicine in Nepal.NARTC on the other hand is government organization working in the area of research and training to professionals of Ayurveda and complementary medicine. Their collaboration provided a platform for an insightful discussion involving key stakeholders and  representatives from the field of Ayurveda,WHO,digital association,biomedical science and other complementary medicine.

Major Agendas Discussed

The symposium revolved around the necessity of digitalization in traditional medicine,recent research progress and importance of evidence based medicine. The key concerns of the program included:

1. History of Malay Medicine and timeline of Malay traditional medicine documentation.
2. Disruptive technologies for traditional medicine.
3. Opportunities to Traditional medicine in Nepal
4. Bio-piracy and its concerns
5. Panchagavya chikitsa,clinical trials and its scope
6. Importance of documentation,digitalization and research.

Public Engagement 

A further exchange of views with the audience on the particularity of challenges during documentation of malay medicine,the process of budget allotment from ministry of AYUSH, clinical trials took place after the presentation of the speakers.

The Q&A session brought forward concerns about scopes of traditional medicine in Nepal,documentation in Ayurveda and importance of vigorous  research adaptation .

Key Takeaway:
There was a strong consensus on the urgent need for digitalization and structured research in traditional medicine to enhance its credibility and global standing. The dialogue highlighted that progress in Nepal’s traditional medicine sector requires evidence-based validation, robust documentation, and intersectoral collaboration. Digital tools, policy-level support, and international cooperation were emphasized as foundational to strengthening the research ecosystem and integrating Ayurveda and complementary medicine into mainstream healthcare systems.

Recommendations: 

7.     Develop a National Digital Repository for Traditional Medicine
Establish a centralized and accessible digital database for classical texts, case studies, treatment protocols, and clinical research findings related to Ayurveda and complementary medicine in Nepal.

8.     Strengthen Policy-Level Support for Research and Digitalization
Collaborate with national bodies like the Ministry of Health and international agencies such as WHO and AYUSH to secure funding, develop guidelines, and implement structured research agendas.

9.     Introduce Research Methodology in Ayurveda Curriculum
Incorporate digital literacy, biomedical research techniques, and ethics into the formal education of Ayurveda scholars to promote evidence-based practices from the grassroots level.

10.  Initiate Collaborative Clinical Trials
Promote multi-institutional research involving Ayurveda institutions, hospitals, and global universities to conduct rigorous clinical trials on traditional treatments like Panchagavya Chikitsa.

11.  Protect Indigenous Knowledge from Bio-piracy
Develop legal frameworks and documentation protocols to safeguard traditional knowledge and ensure benefit-sharing with local communities in accordance with global intellectual property standards.

12.  Enhance Public and Stakeholder Awareness
Organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and symposiums to promote the value of digitalization in traditional medicine and encourage greater participation from practitioners, policymakers, and the public.

Conclusion

The symposium concluded with closing reflections from key speaker Dr.Rajendra Prasad Dhakal,secretary of National Academy of Science and Research(NAST) and institutional representatives. They emphasized that the future of traditional medicine in Nepal hinges on its ability to embrace digital tools, adopt scientific rigor, and engage in global dialogues. As echoed in the discussions, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern innovation will not only preserve Nepal’s rich medical heritage but also allow it to flourish in the contemporary healthcare landscape. The event underscored the critical role of research culture, youth engagement, and cross-border collaboration in transforming traditional medicine into a scientifically recognized and digitally empowered healthcare system.

The symposium proved to be an insightful step towards connecting the dots in Nepal’s research ecosystem and initiating meaningful action for the digital evolution of traditional medicine.