Africa-Press – Angola. The Indian Embassy in Angola intends to implement Ayurvedic medicine in Malanje province in the near future, in order to contribute to the development of the region’s health sector through this traditional method.
Ayurveda is a health system that has existed in India for over 5,000 years, and was recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1978. In Angola, it is only established in Luanda.
On Wednesday, a delegation from the Indian Embassy presented a proposal to the provincial government and health authorities to introduce this medicinal system to Malanje, with the aim of complementing conventional medicine.
During the presentation, the Indian Ambassador, Vidhu Nair, said that they intend to expand this initiative throughout Angola, starting with Malanje, as it is a region with favorable climate and natural conditions for this purpose.
The diplomat announced that Malanje had been selected as the reference centre for Ayurvedic medicine in Angola, and would be the first province to officially implement it. This would also strengthen institutional relations.
The local governor, Marcos Nhunga, expressed the government’s interest in collaborating with India to establish this medical system in the province, which has contributed to the treatment of various diseases.
He suggested that a team of government officials from the Provincial Health Office and the three largest health units in the province could travel to India to observe how it operates, share experiences, and negotiate the necessary steps for its implementation in Malanje.
Flávia Maxima Keijzer, the only specialist in Ayurvedic medicine in Angola, added that this type of medicine holistic that focuses on the patient as the centre of attention and addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects, ensures that all areas of a person’s well-being are covered.
She noted that Malanje’s environment is ideal for this practice, as it is suitable for patients with chronic diseases such as asthma who require a climate that facilitates breathing without the need for equipment. Additionally, the land is fertile for cultivating medicinal plants.
Flávia Maxima Keijzer emphasized that Ayurvedic medicine essentially covers aspects of psychiatry, geriatrics, rejuvenation, virility, pediatrics and surgery, which are also covered in conventional medicine.
