Shillong, Dec 19: With an aim to raise awareness on the value of medicinal plants and promote their cultivation and preservation, an exhibition of Medicinal Plants and Their Values was organized which was inaugurated by Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister, A L Hek at U SoSo Tham Auditorium on Wednesday.

Dr. Pradeep Jeathi of Adora Kerala Ayurvedic graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the exhibition, Hek informed that during 2005-2006, the North Eastern Council had conducted a survey on medicinal plants in East and West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi District wherein 57 medicinal plant species commonly used by indigenous health practitioners were documented.

However, the lack of proper documentation of the traditional system of healing and the lack of license to market traditional medicines has not augured well for traditional healers.

Hek stressed on the need for a certification course for all traditional medicine practitioners to be conducted by the State Health Department, which will go a long way in making it an organised sector.

Hek also reiterated the need to strengthen the AYUSH Directorate and to have an AYUSH Policy in the state.

Dr. Pradeep Jeathi of Adora Kerala Ayurvedic stated that 70 per cent of the world depends on traditional medicinal system.

In 2016, the global herbal market was valued at 71.19 billion dollars and was projected to grow at 10 per cent in the next ten years, he informed.

While China and USA occupy 80% of the market share, India occupies only 1% share. With the vast potential that the country and the Northeast region has in terms of natural resources, he stressed that State Governments should encourage sustainable large scale plantation of plants with medicinal value.

He also emphasized the need to have special purpose vehicle to aid in transporting and marketing raw materials directly to buyers cutting the middle men in order to help traditional healers and to encourage and promote the setting up of factories to manufacture medicines in the State.

Health and Family Welfare secretary cum Mission Director and Director of AYUSH, Pravin Bakshi called for accreditation of traditional healers so that they are given due recognition and able to practice at par with allopathic doctors.

Officers of the Health Department, traditional healers from East Khasi Hills and students were also present on the occasion.