Shillong, Dec07: The two day capacity building and awareness programme for the traditional healers of the State culminated today at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong with the distribution of tools and kits to the traditional healers. The Chief Guest at the distribution ceremony was the Meghalaya Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri. A L Hek.
Other official who were present were Shri. Pravin Bakshi, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare and Director AYUSH, Shri. C V Diengdoh, Joint Secretary, Planning and Member Secretary, Bio Resources Development Centre (BDRC), Dr. D. Roy, Adviser, Quality Council of India (QCI), New Delhi, Prof. D Khating, Vice Chancellor, North East Christian University and officials from NEIAH, MLCU, NEHU and others.
In his speech, the Minister said that the objective of this programme is to create awareness amongst the traditional healers on the scientific method of preparing medicines and treatment and the importance to have an organised sector for the growth of this system of healthcare, adding that the skills and knowledge of the healers need to be passed on to the future generation so that the legacy continues. He also said there is need to have an organised cluster or group and exchange of knowledge if we want to promote health tourism in Meghalaya.
He said the traditional healers have the much needed support of the Central and State Government to further tap the knowledge and skills through training and certification. The Minister felt that with the richness of medicinal herbs and plants, the State can boost itself as one of the best traditional wellness and healthcare system in the country and the world. Therefore he called upon the people to protect and preserve the bio resources of the State so that the traditional healing services continue through the years.
Dr. D Roy informed that QCI is a premier organisation setup by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce to look into the promotion of quality of standards. She also informed that the NECU received the approval to do the certification of traditional healers of the State. She said that by certification and through established criteria of standards, traditional healers can avail the government schemes to further their profession.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Shri. CVD Diengdoh, Shri Pravin Bakshi and Prof. D Khating.The main highlight of the programme was the distribution of kits and tools to the traditional healers drawn from across the State.
