Focus also on Ayurveda, medicinal plants
SHILLONG: The State Government is contemplating to revive the production of anti rabies vaccine in Meghalaya in partnership with a US based company, Sami Labs Limited.
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, Health and Family Welfare Minister AL Hek said that anti rabies vaccines were available in Pasteur Institute but the Centre stopped production in 2004.
“Despite sending proposals for starting the production of anti-rabies vaccine in the State, there has been no response till date,” Hek said.
Meanwhile, Sami Labs Limited, Managing Director, Muhammed Majeed said that the company is targeting to produce the vaccine in the next 12-18 months in the State. The company, which has a turnover of USD 110 million, also wants to focus on Ayurveda and cultivation of medicinal plants in the State.
Stating that Meghalaya offers bundles of opportunities when it comes to cultivation of medicinal plants, Majeed said that the company would like to develop models of cultivation of medicinal plants in the State besides providing training to farmers.
He said that turmeric from Jaintia Hills is one of the finest in the world and its curcumin can be used for treating many types of cancers.
The MD said that the firm has patented 120 medicinal plants and around 10,000 farmers in the southern states of the country are cultivating medical plants for the company.
