A holistic wellness centre and skill development institute for traditional healers and youths of Meghalaya was inaugurated yesterday at the Bio-Resource Development Centre (BRDC) experimental farm in Laitmynsaw, Upper Shillong.
Funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs the centre is mandated to mandate to make available healthcare based on Ayurveda, Siddha and traditional medicine of and to provide a holistic healing approach to the physical and mental care of the patients as well as to promote health tourism in the state.
The construction of the centre was done by using green technologies initiated by the State Council of Science, Technology & Environment.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and a host of dignitaries attended the function, that also saw the release of the draft book titled, “Meghalaya Traditional Knowledge: Supporting Document for Course Curriculum in Schools”.
The draft book is part fulfilment of the project entitled “Preservation and Protection of Traditional Knowledge Documentation Initiatives in North East India” funded by the North Eastern Council and DoNER, which will be handed over to the Directorate of Education, Research & Training for inclusion in course curriculum in schools.
During the function, Rs 1 lakh financial assistance was given to four traditional healers associations of the state as operational support for the Meghalaya Traditional Healing Clinics set up by BRDC.
Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh emphasised the importance of collecting traditional knowledge data through documentation of the traditional healing practices, techniques, medicinal plants used as ingredients in formulating herbal products for treating various diseases with proper labelling and creating market linkages regionally, nationally, and eventually internationally, as with time there is an increase in the usage of these herbal products due to its efficacy.
She highlighted the significance of popularising the traditional Khasi recreational and therapeutic massages, stating that traditional healers are integral part to the future of Meghalaya.
She also encouraged the traditional healers to apply for various government schemes for promoting and uplifting their healthcare practices.
Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar mentioned that there are thousands of healers present in the state and this provides an ample opportunity for integration of indigenous medicine with the AYUSH department and promotion of health tourism.
Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Joram Beda said collaboration of the traditional healers with the Ministry of AYUSH will play an important role in providing primary healthcare to the community, through convergence of ideas.
BRDC member secretary Gunanka D.B stressed on the need for a close networking between the health department and traditional healers.
He said the wellness centre is a stepping stone for setting up such similar centres with professional management by traditional healers and with training and facilitation by Santhigiri Ashram. Dr
Kiran Sreedharan, Deputy General Manager, Santhigiri Ashram appreciated the promotion of the centre in the state that also provides platform for traditional healers. He stressed on the involvement of the healers and community healthcare, in providing healthcare to the community at rural and urban areas as a means to the livelihood of the people.
A Meghalaya Traditional Knowledge portal was also launched on the occasion.
