Bridging Competency Gaps: Training Needs for Nurses in Nepal’s Ayurveda Health Services

Abstract

Ayurveda health centers in Nepal are integral to the national health system, yet they face a critical shortage of appropriately trained nursing staff. Modern nurses, while professionally skilled in biomedicine, often lack the Ayurveda knowledge and procedural competence necessary to deliver quality care in traditional medicine settings. This article reviews existing policies, frameworks, and global practices to assess the need for a standardized bridge course or integrative training program for nurses working in Ayurveda institutions. It identifies regulatory gaps and proposes policy recommendations for curriculum development, accreditation, and implementation. Addressing this training need is essential to enhance quality of care, ensure patient safety, and promote the credibility of Ayurveda in Nepal’s healthcare model.