Shillong, Oct 29: In a major step toward integrating traditional healing with modern science, PRIME Meghalaya, in collaboration with Bio-NEST NIPER Guwahati, has launched an ambitious initiative to scientifically validate and support traditional healers across the state.

The programme seeks to preserve Meghalaya’s rich heritage of traditional medicine while aligning it with scientific validation, incubation, and entrepreneurial opportunities to promote sustainable growth.

As part of this effort, a comprehensive database of 769 traditional healers has been compiled, out of which 143 active healers have been shortlisted for the next phase following a rigorous tele-verification process.

The initial validation phase will focus on six specific health conditions — gastric disorders, colic pain, malaria, acidity, gallstones, and arthritis.

Marking a significant milestone, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with five traditional healers selected for the first phase of the program. The healers include Richard Syiem, Jop Pohtmi, Teibor Lyngdoh, Minnerson C.H. Sangma, and Phidalyne Nongsiej.

Ankur Adhikary, CEO of Bio-NEST NIPER Guwahati, and Dr. Bethsheba Basawiamoit, Incubation Manager, underscored the importance of the collaboration, stating that the initiative will bridge traditional wisdom and modern science.

They added that the partnership aims to create a structured platform for scientific validation, incubation, and enterprise development in the field of traditional medicine.

The initiative marks a holistic and forward-looking approach to both preserving Meghalaya’s indigenous healing knowledge and transforming it into sustainable entrepreneurial ventures that can contribute to health innovation and rural livelihoods.