Shillong, Oct 29: A groundbreaking initiative has been launched PRIME Meghalaya to scientifically validate and support traditional healers in the state.
After a rigorous tele-verification process, a comprehensive database of 769 traditional healers across the state was compiled, and 143 active traditional healers were shortlisted for next phase of the programme.
The validation process will initially focus on traditional remedies for six specific health conditions, including gastric disorders, colic pain, malaria, acidity, gallstones, and arthritis.
A significant milestone was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five traditional healers selected for the first phase of the programme.
The selected healers include Richard Syiem, Jop Pohtmi, Teibor Lyngdoh, Minnerson CH Sangma, and Phidalyne Nongsiej.
The programme, in collaboration with Bio-NEST NIPER Guwahati, aims at preserving the state’s rich heritage of traditional healing practices while aligning them with modern scientific standards and entrepreneurial opportunities for sustainable growth.
Ankur Adhikary, CEO of Bio-NEST NIPER, and Dr Bethsheba Basawiamoit, Incubation Manager, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in bridging traditional wisdom and modern science.
They emphasised that the partnership aims to establish a structured platform for scientific validation, incubation, and enterprise development in the field of traditional medicine.
The initiative represents a holistic and forward-looking approach to preserving Meghalaya’s traditional healing practices while promoting sustainable growth and entrepreneurial opportunities
