Geospatial Analysis of Ayurveda Healthcare Facilities in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Authors

  • Nirmal Bhusal Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Panchakarma, Ayurveda Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Mithilesh Kumar Sah Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Panchakarma, Ayurveda Campus, Institute ofMedicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Munkarna Thapa Consultant Ayurveda, Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal,
  • Santosh Kumar Thakur Executive Director, National Ayurveda Research and Training Centre, Ministry of Health and Population, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Rupendra Maharjan Postgraduate Scholar - Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
  • Birat Shrestha Engineering Geologist, Explorer Geophysical Consultant Pvt. ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Bikas Raj Ghimire Assistant Professor, Department of Kaya Chikitsa, Ayurveda Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Pradeep KC Director, Simha Darbar Vaidyakhana Bikas Samiti, Ministry of Health and Population, Anamnagar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Vasudev Upadhaya Director, Central Ayurveda Hospital, Ministry of Health and Population, Naradevi, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Keywords:

Ayurveda, GIS, Kathmandu Valley, healthcare accessibility, geospatial mapping, traditional medicine

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda plays a vital role in Nepal’s health care delivery system. Despite its cultural importance, the geographical accessibility and distribution of Ayurveda health centers remain underexplored. This study aimed to map and analyze the spatial distribution of Ayurveda health centers in Kathmandu Valley using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile-based data collection tools.

Materials and Methods: The mixed-methods geospatial research was conducted in three districts of Kathmandu Valley- Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Data were collected from 267 Ayurveda health centers by trained surveyors using the SW-Map mobile application, supplemented by hardcopy forms. The collected geospatial data were processed using ArcGIS 10.7.1 to analyze distribution and accessibility patterns. Visualization was performed on Google Earth, with outputs generated in KML format.

Results and Discussion: A total of 267 clinics were identified: 221 (82.8%) in Kathmandu, 20 (7.5%) in Lalitpur, and 26 (9.7%) in Bhaktapur. Spatial analysis showed a dense concentration in urban cores, with Kathmandu Metropolitan exhibiting the highest clustering. Accessibility analysis indicated that urban residents generally had a clinic within 2 km, while rural and peripheral populations often had to travel over 5 km. Services offered included Panchakarma, herbal medicine dispensing, yoga, massage, and diagnostics.

Conclusion: GIS proved effective in mapping Ayurveda health centers and identifying accessibility gaps. The study highlights inequitable distribution, with underserved rural and peri-urban populations facing limited access. Findings can inform health policymakers to expand Ayurveda services strategically

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Published

2025-10-17

How to Cite

Nirmal Bhusal, Sah, M. K., Munkarna Thapa, Thakur, S. K., Rupendra Maharjan, Birat Shrestha, … Vasudev Upadhaya. (2025). Geospatial Analysis of Ayurveda Healthcare Facilities in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Journal of Ayurveda Campus, 6(1), 12–17. Retrieved from https://nepjol.info/index.php/jac/article/view/90581

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s)

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