Shillong: The Government will examine the Protection and Promotion of the Khasi Traditional Medicine Bill, 2011 before its enactment, said Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong. The Bill, which was passed by the KHADC in February, will be sent to Health and Family Welfare Department and the Law department for their comments before approving it, Lanong said while addressing a meeting of traditional practitioners here on Tuesday. Organised by Martin Luther Christian University in collaboration with the Society for Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and Practice for the implementation of ongoing projects related to traditional medicine system for the Khasi and Garo tribes, the Tuesday’s convention witnessed participation of more than 500 traditional practitioners. Lanong pointed out that with the increase in number of traditional healers in the state, “there is a need to have medicinal gardens so that the practitioners do not have to depend on those medicinal plants that are available in the forests”. The Supreme Court had banned felling of trees and export of forest products in 1996 and people should be aware of the existing laws, so that valuable flowers and plants do not get destroyed, he said while cautioning the traditional healers that they should be careful while administering herbal medicines to patients. In his speech, the Chairman of KHADC Fabian Lyngdoh pointed out that the Protection and Promotion of the Khasi Traditional Medicine Bill, 2011 was awaiting approval of the State government.This Bill would facilitate protection and development of the traditional medicines, he added. Meanwhile, speaking to The Shillong Times, the Society for Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and Practice (SPIKAP) chairman John F Kharshiing said the entire process was undertaken to integrate the traditional medicine system into the formal health care system. “Vast parts of the State have little or no access to medical facilities, hence if the traditional practitioners can be recognised and nurtured through a streamlined programme, it can immensely improve health care facilities,” Kharshiing added. The SPIKAP vice chairman Toki Blah said efficacies in the healthcare system have been ignored since a long time. However, with recognition given to traditional practitioners a lot can be improved. “With the involvement of AYUSH a lot of research work can be undertaken and herbs can be identified for mass cultivation,” Blah added.