Meghalaya traditional healers became the first in India to receive national certification. The Quality Council of India (QCI) granted this status to selected practitioners after a rigorous evaluation process.
The certification involved community feedback, field inspections, and skill-based assessments. Officials believe this move will increase public trust in traditional healers and offer them a more formal space in the health ecosystem.
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Rooted in Knowledge and Tradition
For centuries, Meghalaya traditional healers have treated various ailments using herbs, natural oils, and spiritual practices. In remote areas, they are often the first point of contact for medical help due to limited access to clinics or hospitals.
Health Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “This is more than a certificate. It’s a public recognition of generations of wisdom.” She emphasized the urgency of documenting traditional knowledge, which risks being lost in modernization.
QCI Certification Process Explained
The QCI’s Voluntary Certification Scheme for Traditional Community Health Providers set strict standards for eligibility. These included hygiene, correct use of herbs, ethical conduct, and community approval.
Healers from East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills were among the first to qualify. Evaluation teams observed treatments in person and checked that healers avoided harmful or unverified methods.
Officials said more practitioners across Meghalaya and the Northeast will join future phases of certification.
A Boost for Indigenous Medicine
Across the globe, traditional medicine is gaining attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) urges countries to include it in health systems, provided safety standards are met.
So far, Meghalaya traditional healers have worked independently of government clinics. Now, with certification, they can offer safe and recognized care in coordination with public health campaigns.
Dr. Lyngdoh clarified that these healers won’t prescribe modern medicines. However, their skills in herbal treatments and community care will now receive official support.
Preserving Culture, Improving Health
Certified healers say this recognition gives their work new dignity. Most learned their methods from parents or elders and see healing as a community duty.
Bah Kynsai, a healer from Sohra, said, “Our forest has always been our pharmacy. This certification gives our practice formal respect.”
The state’s health department plans to support healers with workshops, research tools, and access to medicinal plant cultivation programs. Officials hope the recognition will inspire younger generations to carry on this tradition.
Future Plans for Wider Reach
Encouraged by early success, the government wants to expand the certification program. Authorities have identified over 1,000 traditional healers in the state, many of whom will undergo screening in the next phase.
To preserve traditional knowledge, the Health Department will partner with universities to create a digital archive. This will include medicinal plant databases, video tutorials, and patient case studies.
Officials also plan to offer herbal kits and grants to certified healers, allowing them to grow and prepare their own remedies with more structure and support.
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