A Movement to Heal Nepal Using Natural Medicine
People around the world suffer from serious health problems because of busy lifestyles and unhealthy diets. Many rely on medicines daily, sometimes for their entire lives. Some spend huge amounts of money on treatment but still can’t fully recover. There are mainly two types of medical treatments—modern (allopathic) and traditional (Ayurvedic). Allopathic treatment is often very expensive, especially for major illnesses. Ayurveda is generally more affordable and uses natural methods to treat both minor and serious health issues.
Nepal’s First Natural Healing Hospital
Community Nature Cure Hospital in Rajahar, Devchuli Municipality-16, Nawalparasi, is Nepal’s first hospital to treat patients using natural methods without medicines or surgery. Since its start in 2006 (2063 BS), it has helped over 50,000 patients, including government officials, politicians, artists, and businesspeople.
Hospital manager Hari Sapkota says many patients are very happy with the results and have supported the hospital’s growth.
Recently, some prominent leaders from the CPN (Maoist Center), including former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun and former Speaker Onsari Gharti, received treatment there. Pun, who had trouble walking due to back pain, arrived in a wheelchair but left after two weeks of therapy, feeling better. The hospital also treated Krishna Mahara, Vice President of the Maoist Center.
Sapkota adds that even patients with serious problems like kidney failure, paralysis, or those told they need surgery have recovered after natural treatment at the hospital. More people are visiting as trust in the hospital grows.
How the Hospital Treats Patients
The hospital treats all illnesses without medicines. Their motto is “Food is Medicine, Medicine is Food.” Treatments include eye patches, enemas, hot and cold foot baths, applying hot mud on painful areas, steam and sauna baths, massages, body bandages, and cleansing techniques. They also focus on the five natural elements—sky, air, fire (sunlight), water, and earth (mud)—and promote healthy diets and lifestyles.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital treated over 800 patients and reported no deaths, unlike many other hospitals in the country.
Plans to Become a Teaching Hospital
The hospital plans to become Nepal’s first teaching hospital for naturopathy. Manager Sapkota says they have prepared the curriculum and are completing the buildings and hostels needed. The government has given the hospital 10 bighas of land, with more land possible.
Currently, the 300-bed hospital has 55 staff members. The administration is hopeful about government support. They have requested a budget of Rs 650 million, and officials including the finance and health ministers are positive. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also shown interest, recognizing the need for such hospitals in Nepal’s healthcare system.
Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ supports the hospital’s development and says the Maoist Center will fully back its growth into a naturopathy teaching hospital and university. He praised the hospital’s success in providing affordable and effective healthcare, unlike some gaps seen in Western medicine.
Hospital History and Services
The hospital was built on over 6 acres of public land with an initial government grant of Rs 2 million. It provides healthcare services to about 100 patients daily and can accommodate up to 300 with assistants. There are separate units for women and disabled patients. Administrative work and minor building maintenance continue, with minimal fees charged to patients. Sapkota says if similar hospitals are developed nationwide, the government can better manage health crises and epidemics in the future.
Experts Speak: Expanding Naturopathy in Nepal
Prof. Dr. Kul Prasad Koirala believes Ayurveda can cure diseases that modern medicine cannot, such as jaundice. He says allopathic treatment often causes complications and that naturopathy is the best way to heal patients. He urges the hospital to expand nationwide. He also suggests starting naturopathy courses through Nepal Sanskrit University to train more professionals.
Prof. Devi Bhakta Dhakal says naturopathy is becoming a popular and necessary healthcare option in Nepal. But the country currently has no way to train naturopathy doctors, relying instead on India. He stresses the need to build local educational programs and produce naturopathy professionals to meet growing demand. The hospital’s plan to become a teaching hospital and eventually a university is nearly ready, with support from retired scholars eager to contribute.
Dhakal says with government and public backing, Nepal can become self-reliant in natural medicine education and healthcare.
The Need for Government Support
Hospital manager Hari Sapkota says healthier citizens mean a stronger country and less spending on expensive medicines. Naturopathy hospitals exist in India’s 22 provinces, but Nepal has none yet. Many students face difficulties studying naturopathy abroad. He urges the government to support naturopathy and yoga hospitals through budget and policies.
Sapkota believes with government help, Nepal can offer natural treatments for complex diseases without surgery. This support is essential to grow naturopathy and make it an important part of the national healthcare system.
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