Shillong, August 02: The Shillong Law College organised a one-day seminar to disseminate findings from the Chief Minister’s Research Grant Project titled “Balancing Traditions and Legal Responsibility: Liability of Traditional Healers in East Khasi Hills”, on the 31 of July, 2025.
Shri. Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, was the Chief Guest and Shri. C. Pohlong, Joint Secretary to the Executive Committee, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, was the Special Guest. The Principal and the members of the Governing body of the Shillong Law College were also present.
The seminar was moderated by Shri Thomas Iangjuh, a Junior Scientist at the Bio‑Resources Development Centre (BRDC), Shillong. The distinguished panel included Advocate Shri Erwin K. Syiem Sutnga, Dr. Junie Pearl Lyngdoh Senior Scientist at BRDC, Dr. Pradip Sadaram Mohurle, Assistant Professor at NEIAH and Dr. Daiahunlin Mawlong, Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at The Shillong Law College.
The research is being conducted by the faculty members, Dr. Daiahunlin Mawlong, Dr. Arpita Singh, Smti. Yophika Grace Thabah, Smti. Lahunlang Kurbah and Smti. Darishisha Jyrwa of the Shillong Law College Shillong.
There was a unanimous consensus on the urgent need for a uniform legal framework across Meghalaya to govern traditional healing practices. Panelists argued for amendments to the The Khasi Hills Autonomous District ( Protection and Promotion of Khasi Traditional Medicine) Act, 2011.
To embed clear provisions for ethical codes, certification standards, and disciplinary oversight. Advocate Erwin Syiem Sutnga stressed the importance of addressing legal liability, advocating for a Meghalaya wide enactment that includes Jaintia and Garo Hills, encapsulating his refrain: “coordination, not interference.
Dr. Junie Lyngdoh emphasized the value of introducing a voluntary certification scheme, drafting a formal Code of Ethics, and establishing both professional ethics and disciplinary committees.
She further highlighted the need for networking between traditional healers and modern medical practitioners to ensure mutual respect and referral mechanisms. Dr. Pradip Mohurle focused on capacity building, advocating for continuous training programs, rather than one-time workshops, to enhance the proficiency and accountability of healers.
The panel recommended for a scientific validation of medicinal plants, aligning traditional knowledge with modern evidence-based practices. The seminar also noted progress in the state’s recognition of traditional healers, wherein, recently this year, the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) an Institution under PIP&SD Department, Government of Meghalaya.
This aimed at promoting and protecting indigenous system of medicine in the State initiated the certification of Traditional Healers under the Voluntary Certification Scheme for Traditional Community Healthcare Providers (VCSTCHP) of the Quality Council of India to establish professional safety standards in traditional healing practices in the state.
This programme also aims to provide the THPs access to various relevant schemes of the Ministry of AYUSH, GOI so as to enable integration of indigenous practices with contemporary healthcare.
Nine Traditional Community Healthcare Providers (TCHPs) received certification under the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 (globally recognized) standards, following a rigorous evaluation of their expertise in treating common ailments jaundice, traditional bone setting and arthritis.
Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Chief Guest and Principal Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, emphasized the critical need to preserve, protect, and promote traditional healing practices as a vital part of the state’s cultural heritage and community health framework.
He highlighted the importance of integrating these indigenous systems within the broader legal and policy landscape, while ensuring accountability and ethical standards. Stressing that it is the constitutional duty of the state to safeguard such practices, he called for informed, inclusive policymaking that respects local wisdom while upholding the rights and safety of the people.
