In what might ignite a fresh round of debates, Indian
AYUSH minister Shripad Naik has said the country would soon be ready to treat
Covid-19 patients with Ayurveda once scientific validation of some formulas of
the ancient medical science is done.

“When other systems like allopathy have failed, we’ve a
solution to treat COVID-19 through Ayurveda. We’ve been asked for scientific
validation of the Ayurvedic formula,” he told PTI.

Naik alleged a lobby was attempting to prevent the usage of
Ayurveda for effective treatment of Covid-19. “My ministry is following up with
the Prime Minister (over Ayurveda treatment for Covid-19),” he said.

The Central government would have to notify the Ayurveda
formula before it can be used for treatment. “We’ve put our claim before the
Prime Minister after which he has acted and a task force formed,” he said.

The minister reiterated his controversial claim that
Britain’s Prince Charles was cured of Covid-19 following a treatment
combination of Ayurveda and homeopathy. “It was obvious for him to refuse…His country didn’t recognize
Ayurveda… I’m hundred and one percent sure that he got cured because of
Ayurveda,” he said.

Naik claimed there was 60 to 70 per cent control on the spread
of coronavirus in India due to home remedies prescribed in Ayurveda, Siddha and
Unani. “India is the only example where this virus has been
controlled. We’ve already issued advisory to the people on does and don’ts,”
he added.