National 9 (Spotlight Weekly)

‘We Are Squandering Our Traditional Heritage And Wealth’

— Dr. RISHI RAM KOIRALA

Dr. RISHI RAM KOIRALA is an MD in Ayurveda. Consultant physician at the Ayurveda Health Home and Research Center, Dr. Koirala also has conducted research on Ayurveda and herbal medicines. He is concerned over the growing cases of patenting of Ayurveda-based herbal products by western companies. Dr. Koirala spoke to SANJAYA DHAKAL on major issues concerning Ayurveda and the patenting of such products. Excerpts:

How do you view the practice of patenting in the country today?

The nation has not prepared any national policy or coherent plan. It is urgent to design multi-sectoral intervention with different disciplines and ensure definite monitoring.

It is said that Nepal is rich in indigenous herbal products. However, we are yet to start patenting them. What is the actual situation?

There has been no national discussion on the matter and no forum has been developed for the purpose. Pipeline activities have not been developed either. As a result, Ayurveda and indigenous knowledge, concepts, practices, manuscripts, healers, technology and biodiversity have not been monographed.

These resources are the leading point for patenting by others. Look at what has happened to Talishpatra. This plant has been in use since time immemorial. It is explained in Charaka Samhita (classical Ayurveda text) for serious lungs pathology. This knowledge and reference has been leading point for so-called scientific research. Now this plant has been patented by a US company as an effective drug for cancer. Our country has plenty of such resources. The most painful aspect is that people are getting Rs. 30-40 for a kilogram of raw material and paying more than Rs.5,000- 7,000 per dose.

You say American and other western companies are patenting products like Talishpatra, Neem and turmeric, whose origin can be traced to this part of the subcontinent. How is this practice going to affect us in the long run?

We ourselves don't know where we are going and what we are doing for future generations in terms of patents or intellectual property rights and sharing benefits from our ancient property. Day by day, the situation is becoming depressing. We risk losing our traditional heritage and wealth. There are more than 150 aromatic plants, 26 anti-HIV/AIDS plants, 50 culinary spices and herbs, countless anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-stress plants. In the long run, our uncoordinated activities will help others gain more and more knowledge and get patents on those resources. Getting a patent requires detailed work and interventions at different levels. It needs multi-sectoral key point intervention and utmost vigilance.

What can the Nepalese government do to take advantage of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)?

As I said, we need a national forum or organization drawing representation from different sectors, carrying definite goals and ensuring proper prioritization. It is necessary to better understand our national wealth and the global demand in order to tie them together. We need to know about the international rules and regulations to catch the value of time, market and desire of the people. This work is not possible by a group or single institution. There is a global demand for herbal, natural and Ayurveda products. We need to identify national institutions that can work on TRIPS and coordinate their activities effectively. We can produce different herbs in their indigenous habitation, and we have the knowledge in using this. Instead of channelling these resources, we end up calling ourselves poor, illiterate and unhealthy. Who uses Yarchagumba, Karela, Neem, Chari Amilo and Sugandhawala? I can give you the names of 2,100 plants that are being used by Ayurvedic and other traditional healers. There are more than 400 manuscripts and 400,000 healers in this country. All these resources can be utilized under TRIPS. If we seriously think about the matter and work harder, we can work on these plants and transfer entire technology to the community and develop a detailed pipeline. This will change the total economic status of the country. Whatever attempts are being made today are being done with limited vision and without multi-sectoral involvement.

What potential does Ayurveda have in the economic development of the country?

By utilizing Ayurvedic resources, the economic and biodiversity status of the country will improve significantly. Our country could become a major destination for traders, researchers and tourists and establish itself as an important center for Ayurveda therapy.

What is the state of manpower in the sector?

If you are thinking in terms of the production of manpower, this has never been a national priority. The few institutions that are running lack vision, funds and functions. Worse, some of them are being run with a corrupt business motive.

What policy should the government adopt to develop Ayurveda?

The country needs a consistent policy, firm commitment, visionary leadership and proper mobilization of resources.