Indigenous Medicine Ministry to revive Gurukula system

COLOMBO: The indigenous medicine system was propagated through the Gurukula system where traditional physicians handed down their knowledge to their children or a trusted student said Indigenous Medicine Minister Tissa Karaliyadda speaking at the presentation of cash awards to 10 selected native physicians and ayurveda students at the Ministry recently.

Since that system had limited scope in the present day society due to stiff competition, the Ministry has launched a programme to provide financial assistance to students and teachers to conserve traditional medical systems, he said. Under this program selected physicians and students will receive a monthly grant of Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 each for three years.

The students should study medicine at the feet of the respective physicians for three years. Karaliyadda said these grants would help revive the ancient guru kula system for the benefit and welfare of the indigenous medicine systems. It would also help conserve traditional systems of medicine in this country.

The students undergoing these studies would be provided with opportunities to obtain further training in India and contribute towards the Hela Weda Rekawarana pension Scheme.