By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 4: Recognising Meghalaya’s indigenous healing heritage, the Dimapur-based Northeastern Christian University (NECU) has certified four traditional healers from the Garo Hills under the Vocational Certificate Scheme for Traditional Community Healthcare Providers—a Quality Council of India-recognised national initiative.
The accreditation followed a detailed assessment of the healers’ skills and practices.
Officials from NECU conducted field visits across the Garo Hills region. They scrutinised the healers’ medicinal methods, observed live demonstrations, and interacted with patients who testified to successful recoveries. The rigorous evaluation ensured that only practitioners meeting national benchmarks received accreditation.
Among those honoured is Dr Vidyanist Marak of Tura, who is acclaimed for his effective jaundice treatments. He viewed the certification as a long-awaited validation of their work, noting that it opens doors to wider recognition across India and beyond.
Dr Marak expressed optimism that such acknowledgment will spark greater interest among travellers in the Garo system of traditional medicines.
Bitharson Ch. Sangma from Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills, Joni Ch. Marak and Kenalson M Sangma, both from Ampati in South West Garo Hills; are the three others who received the honours. All of them underwent intensive training and assessment aligned with national quality standards.
Dr Marak lauded the state government and the Medicinal Plant Board for their unwavering support, particularly during the certification programme in Shillong. He said their backing has emboldened the traditional healing community to try and take Garo medicines to the global stage. A pivotal role was played by the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC), Shillong—a government institution under the Meghalaya Science & Technology Department. BRDC equipped the healers with skills based on WHO guidelines, covering hygiene, record-keeping, and safe treatment protocols.
The certification marks a milestone in mainstreaming indigenous healing traditions and reinforces the state’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting traditional knowledge systems through scientific validation and structured support.