KHADC CEM stresses on the importance of involving experts
in herbal medicine to ensure successful operation of institute
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 10: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has announced the selection of a private firm to operate the Khasi Traditional Medicine Institute (KTMI) at Lum Sohpetbneng in Ri Bhoi. During the Question Hour on the first day of the Council’s Summer Session, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem revealed that the Council had issued a call for expressions of interest (EOI) from institutes specialising in herbal treatment to manage the institute.
The CEM emphasised the importance of involving experts in herbal medicine to ensure the successful operation of the institute. Out of the four firms that expressed interest, the Council chose the local firm called Center of Learning Knowledge and Services (COLKS) to run the KTMI. “We will soon be signing the agreement with the firm, and we hope to start the institute shortly thereafter,” Syiem stated.
He further reported that the construction of the institute has been completed, including a newly built water tank with a capacity of 1.50 lakh liters, costing approximately Rs 40 lakh. Additionally, Rs 27.40 lakh has been allocated for the external and internal electrification of the facility, with payments already made to the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) for the installation of a transformer.
The KHADC CEM also highlighted plans for a laboratory dedicated to testing herbal medicines from traditional practitioners, underscoring the critical importance of ensuring the safety of these treatments for patients.
The institute will also assist in the packaging of herbal medicines.
UDP MDC Balajied Ranee noted that the completion of the institute had been anticipated during last year’s session and inquired about its current status, stressing the benefits it would provide to Khasi traditional practitioners within the Council’s jurisdiction.