# An Overture for eCAM: Science, Technology and Innovation Initiation for Prosperous, Healthy Nepal

Authors: Krishna Kaphle; Dinesh Raj Bhuju; Pramod Kr Jha; Hom Nath Bhattarai
Journal: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
 (2011)

---

## Abstract

Nepal the “Shangri-La” in the lap of the Himalayas is gearing up for modern times as it starts rebuilding after a decade of senseless violence and destruction. The nation one of the poorest in the global development index is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. Reports of medicinal plants far exceeding those recorded and reported so far are encouraging and at the same time concerns for medicinal plants under threat as a result of overexploitation are emerging from Nepal. The harsh mountain terrains, lack of industrialization and harnessing potentiality of its areas of strength; water; natural resources and tourism make it poor in per capita income which averages ~ 300 US$, with half the population living under >1$ a day. Nepal is beginning to realize that the way ahead is only possible through the path of Science and Technology (ST). Nepal Academy of Science and Technology formerly known as Royal Academy of Science and Technology organized the fifth national conference held every 4 years that took place in the capital Kathmandu during November 10-12, 2008. The ST initiation event saw the participation of ~ 1400 people representing over 150 organizations from the country and experts from abroad. The theme for the fifth national meet was “Science, Technology and Innovation for Prosperous Nepal”. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) was an important theme in the event as the realization for the need of ST research focused in CAM for harnessing the chemo diversity potential was univocally approved.


---

## Body

## Challenges Ahead

The challenges facing this country is that it is ranked as one of the poorest and least developed country in the world with almost one-third of its population living below the poverty line (Ministry of Finance, 2006). Although it have considerable scope for exploring its potential in hydropower, eco-tourism and natural resources harnessing, prospects in trade and industry are hampered by its small economy. Nepal's technological backwardness, landlocked geographic location, remoteness, civil strife and susceptibility to natural disasters pose greatest challenges. Doubling of population density from 79 persons per square kilometer in 1971 to 157 persons per square kilometer in 2001 and an increasing population is another challenge for the small country [14]. The need to strengthen health system, including community-based case management of infections including neonates, establishment of referral linkage and provision of quality care at the referral level are some challenges in the health-care system. Private investment in health care is encouraging but their approach is not sustainable [15], likewise the medical research is just used as a con to avoid taxation. The recent outbreak of diarrhea in the remote areas of Nepal has exposed the disparity in the health-care facility and services provided by the government. High burden of infectious diseases illustrates the need to develop strategies for management of infections at the community level. Lack of basic sanitation and clean drinking water along with proper waste management strategies poses the greatest challenges in ensuring healthy Nepal.



---

*Source: 305401-2011-06-05.xml*