Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Interview with Dr. Anwar, Chairman & Managing Director , Punarnava Ayurvedic Hospitals,Kerala & Oman

Q1: What is the basic philosophy of health, disease and treatment in Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda- the science of life is the oldest health care system in the world. More than 5000 years ago, even before the emergence of recorded history, the great saints of India researched, professed and practiced Ayurveda and all their findings and vision of this great science were transmitted to generations. Unlike most of other regimens, its very approach to the innumerable number of ailments appeared by the present mankind is widely acclaimed and accepted as holistic, which means treatment not only to the human physique but also to the mind and soul as well.

The method of Ayurveda is unique and universal. It sees man in relation to his natural habitat. Instead of treating the symptoms of a disease, it treats the individual. Thus it is caring not just for the affected part but for the entire body.

Q2: What are the greatest challenges faced By Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda is an evidence based science. All the concepts of Ayurveda are derived from the experiments and observations made by scholars’ long back. At that time, no other science systems were much developed as Ayurveda was. Advanced innovations in the field of modern sciences, especially Physics & Chemistry were incorporated by other inter disciplinary sciences like Allopathy and they made huge trust and sustantiability in the mind of people. Though public believe in the healing power of Ayurveda, they are less aware about the science and logic behind it. The first mission of Ayurveda clinicians is to address this issue. This can be achieved by proper R&D, Documentation and Standardization and by gaining support from the respective government machineries.

R&D, Documentation and Standardization: In Ayurveda, medicines administrated internally are herbals which means they are not given in the active ingredients form. It is our body which decides what all are to be absorbed from the medicines given. This means the actions of a prepared medicine vary from patient to patient and from conditions to conditions. Opposite of this is seen in case of modern medicine. So anything cannot be suited to anyone and Ayurveda have to approach each and every individual in particular. Though protocols can be formed, it may suit only to 50 or 60 percent in patients. Clinicians have to document each and every patient complaints systematically and this documented data can be used in further development of the science

Support from the Government machineries: No sciences can prevail in this world without the support of statutory authorization. It’s the duty of every sovereign government to facilitate the growth of curative sciences for the benefits of public. This doesn’t means to liberalize the concern about Ayurveda to make more business. Govt. have to set up quality control systems for the advancements of the practice of Ayurveda. It should propagate the merits and science behind Ayurveda to other nations of the world. We have good QC Labs but the sad thing is that the concern about providing quality treatments is less. Majority of the foreign countries expecting initiatives and correspondences from our government to approve Ayurveda there. But patients from all over the world come to us for treatment believing in the healing power of Ayurveda. We are getting testimonials and not the approval. I strongly believe that India can uphold Ayurveda as its USP among other nations. We need is we have to promote the curative aspect of Ayurveda and not its tourism aspect.


Q3: What are the experiences of being an Ayurveda Practitioner?

A-I am very proud to say that I came from a family without any tradition in Ayurveda. I had undergone my medical education in Ayurveda, from a govt medical college 16 years back. The policy guided me at that time was if I start practice in a rural area, patients will come in search of doctor and if I’m practicing in an urban area people will come in search of the hospital. Thanks to my father who wisely advised me to start practice in a village near my home. God give me the chance to bring cure to many and when people from other places start to come my hospital, I planned a move to Cochin to cater the requisites of them. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital was started thus at Cochin in 2004.

What I gained from my rural practice was not mere experience but it made me a strong believer of the curative aspects of my science and living, Ayurveda. I have got evidences from my practice that Ayurveda can successfully intervene in the cases of life style disorders and also in arresting the progression and improving the quality of life in autoimmune disorders which modern health sciences find it difficult to manage. Cochin made me a renounced physician and patients around the globe came to my hospital for their ailments getting treated. I’m a strong believer of God, Ayurveda and Hard work. Our vision at Punarnava is to make Ayurveda a globally recognized science and most trusted curative system by patients from all backgrounds and countries.

No comments:

Post a Comment