Shillong, October 29: PRIME Meghalaya, in collaboration with Bio-NEST NIPER Guwahati, has launched an initiative to scientifically validate and support traditional healers in Meghalaya. The program aims to preserve the state’s rich heritage of traditional healing practices while aligning them with modern scientific standards and providing entrepreneurial opportunities for sustainable growth.
As part of the initiative, a comprehensive database of 769 traditional healers across the state was compiled, and 143 active healers were shortlisted for the next phase of the program after a rigorous tele-verification process.
The validation process will initially focus on remedies for six health conditions, including gastric disorders, colic pain, malaria, acidity, gallstones, and arthritis.
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A significant milestone was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with five traditional healers selected for the first phase of the program: Richard Syiem, Jop Pohtmi, Teibor Lyngdoh, Minnerson C.H. Sangma, and Phidalyne Nongsiej.
Ankur Adhikary, CEO of Bio-NEST NIPER Guwahati, and Dr Bethsheba Basawiamoit, Incubation Manager, highlighted the importance of the collaboration in bridging traditional wisdom and modern science. They emphasized 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 forward-looking approach to preserving Meghalaya’s traditional healing practices while promoting sustainable growth and entrepreneurial opportunities.
(Newmai News Network)