Achieving Universal Health Coverage and Health-Related Sustainable Developmental Goals in Nepal through Traditional,...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Systems Research
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Nepal faces significant healthcare challenges, including limited infrastructure, high costs, and geographic barriers to equitable access.
• Existing healthcare delivery models struggle to meet the diverse needs of the population effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the potential of integrating Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into Nepal's national healthcare system.
• To identify the advantages and challenges associated with TCIM integration in the Nepalese context.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative analysis of existing healthcare challenges and TCIM's potential role.
• Review of potential benefits (cost-effectiveness, cultural relevance) and barriers (regulation, standardization, training).

Main Results:

• TCIM offers affordable, culturally sensitive, and holistic healthcare options.
• Key challenges include the need for regulation, standardization, and professional training for TCIM practitioners.

Conclusions:

• Integrating TCIM into primary healthcare can strengthen Nepal's healthcare delivery.
• TCIM integration can reduce health disparities and advance progress toward universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.