SHILLONG: The ongoing training on Malaria Control held at Mawjrong has impressed upon the need to set up a mechanism to enable closer interaction between formal medical practitioners and traditional village healers, bone setters and birth attendants, who complement health care in the rural areas.
As part of the ongoing training initiated by Caritas India, Futures Group International India Pvt. Ltd., Society for Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices (SPIKAP), and officials in-charge of Malaria Control unit of the State Health department, more than 50 traditional private health care service providers comprising of traditional village healers, bone setters, and birth attendants were imparted training on Malaria Control at Mawjrong, under Laitkroh C&RD Block.
The healers were provided with valuable information and awareness by M Suhkhlain, M&E/MIS Officer, Caritas India, Futures Group International India Pvt. Ltd, Society for Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices (SPIKAP), and a detailed presentation was provided by Dr R Kyndiah, M&HO, and Mrs T Mawniuh, Lab Technician, from the Malaria Control unit.
The participants hailed from more than 13 villagers and far-flung Khadar Shnong areas comprising of Khongthong, Warwar, Khrang, Tyniar, Mawthawtieng, Pdei Puhbsien, Diengsong, Thangtim, Mawtongreng, Nongsteng, Nongbah Mawshuit, Nongtraw, and Wah Sohra villages.
Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board, John F Kharshiing, while addressing the attendees, stated that there is a need to set in place a mechanism for closer interaction between formal medical practitioners and the traditional village healers, bone setters and birth attendants who harmonize health care in the rural areas.
He also spoke on the need to hold such awareness programmes on a regular basis for uplift of health care in the rural areas.