Ayurvedic hospitals to offer ‘panchkarma’, ‘kshar sutra’

Tribune News Service

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Dehradun, December 25

Eight Ayurvedic hospitals located in different places of the state will soon offer complete “panchkarma” and “kshar sutra” treatment to patients suffering from rheumatism, sinus and fistula.

With the help of financial assistance from the Central government, the eight hospitals located at Barkote (Uttarkashi), Muni Ki Reti, Kotdwar, Majra (Dehradun), Jhajhra (Dehradun), Badda (Pithoragarh) and Pauri are being renovated and equipped with “Panchakarma” equipment.

“The Central government has given a financial package of Rs 50 lakh each for these hospitals, out of which Rs 32 lakh will be spent on the construction, renovation and purchase of equipment. We are already in the middle of the renovation work at these hospitals. The work should be over by the next year,” said Dr Arun Kumar Tripathi, director, Ayurveda and Unani.

He said the “Panchakarma” treatment was time tested and beneficial for treating several diseases, including rheumatism, sinus, obesity and spondylitis. “In this treatment, medicated oil treatment is used to heal patients. The patient is given both internal and external treatment to get rid of the problem,” he said.

Along with the “Panchkarma” treatment, these hospitals will also offer “Kshar Sutra” treatment in which medicated thread is used to heal fistula and chronic wounds.

“Usually, in allopathy, doctors operate patients suffering from fistula problem, but in ayurveda, we believe in healing the wound and getting rid of the problem from the root,” he said.

In “Kshar Sutra”, the medicated thread contains 21 coatings comprising of latex (11), latex plus alkali (seven), 3 (latex plus turmeric). This is inserted in the body to heal the wound naturally.

After the department’s proposal to set up Ayush Gram at Bhawali failed to take-off, the Department is banking heavily on the Panchkarma centres to provide them the necessary opening for popularising ayurvedic treatments and even become hub for ayurvedic tourism.

Some of the centres are also located amidst salubrious surroundings that could also help in attracting tourists. The department is banking heavily on the Barkote centre that could attract tourists looking for repose and treatment.