The South India state of Kerala has decided
to use ‘Ayurveda’ for prevention and treatment of Covid-19 as part of intensifying
efforts to combat the virus threat.

“We’ve decided to utilize Ayurveda both as a preventive
measure and also for treatment of Covid-19 illness…The treatment will also be
provided to those cured of the disease to help them regain full health,” Chief
Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on, while announcing various initiatives to make
avail the traditional medical science to the needy, including the establishment
of Ayurraksha clinics and the setting up of Niraamaya online
portal.

The Ayurraksha clinics will be formed by linking
various Ayurveda dispensaries and hospitals across the state. Similarly, all
the Government Ayurveda treatment centres will be connected and quick treatment
ensured through a dedicated Niraamaya (disease management) online
portal.

Special focus will be given to enhance immunity of people over
60 years of age through the disease prevention ‘Sudhayusha’ project
while the ‘Swathyam’ project will be rolled out to spread awareness among
the public about the importance of light exercises, the chief minister said.

The state, which has turned out to be
a role model in successful containment of the disease spread, has reported 345
positive cases so far. While it recorded maximum number of confirmed and active
cases initially, new cases are on the fall of late.