Centre for research on medicinal plants in NE

SHILLONG: The Ayush Ministry is contemplating research on traditional medicinal plants found in Meghalaya and other parts of the North East, Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik said on Thursday.
The Minister stressed on North East Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy’s role in promoting research and development by exploring herbal agro-based industry as “the climate in the region is suitable for growth of medicinal plants”. Also, there is a need to use the traditional knowledge in modern system and make it scientifically validated.
“To popularlise Panchakarma and Yoga will be the priority areas
along with production of paramedical staff for the development of skills of the youth here and this may be well addressed by the institute in near future. Production of Panchakarma therapy for curative, preventive and promotional areas will not only boost healthcare sector in government and private sector but it may be amalgamated with health tourism areas like Shillong and other promising tourist spots of the region for promotion of health tourism,” he said, adding that the Ministry may set up a medicinal plant board in the North East.
When asked about the indifference of specialist doctors to serve in the North East, he said the first batch of the institute will pass out in four years and they will be good human resources for the region.