Strategic Meeting Charts Roadmap for Welfare Schemes, Certification and Preservation of Traditional Medicinal Knowledge
Representatives of Eight Traditional Healers' Associations Participate in State-Level Consultation in Raipur
Published on: June 26, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Chhattisgarh’s rich indigenous healthcare heritage, the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board held a high-level meeting in Raipur to review welfare initiatives for traditional healers (Vaidyas) and formulate a future roadmap for strengthening traditional healthcare systems across the state.
The meeting, held on June 24, was chaired by Board Chairman Vikas Markam and witnessed the participation of 60 traditional healers representing eight Vaidya associations from various districts and remote tribal regions of Chhattisgarh.
Traditional Healers Honoured for Their Contribution
The programme commenced with a formal welcome and felicitation of the participating Vaidyas by Board Chairman Vikas Markam and Vice Chairman Anjay Shukla.
Chief Executive Officer J.A.C.S. Rao briefed participants on the Board’s ongoing initiatives and highlighted the government’s efforts to preserve, promote and strengthen traditional healing practices while improving the socio-economic status of indigenous healers.
Regular Vaidya Conferences to Preserve Indigenous Knowledge
The CEO informed the gathering that the Board regularly organises Vaidya Conferences to document, preserve and transfer traditional medicinal knowledge and indigenous treatment practices to future generations.
During the 2025–26 financial year, the Board has already organised 11 Vaidya conferences, comprising one state-level, six divisional-level and four district-level events.
Training on Medicinal Plant Cultivation and Conservation
The Board continues to provide specialised training to traditional healers in the cultivation of medicinal plants, sustainable harvesting techniques and conservation of herbal resources.
These programmes also serve as platforms for Vaidyas to exchange practical experiences, traditional treatment methods and indigenous healthcare knowledge.
Thirty-Seven Traditional Healers Certified
To formally recognise traditional healthcare practitioners, the Board has facilitated the certification of 37 Vaidyas through the Quality Council of India (QCI). The certification process is intended to enhance the credibility and wider recognition of their services.
Healer Herbal Garden Scheme Providing Technical and Financial Support
Under the Healer Herbal Garden Scheme, the Board provides technical guidance and financial assistance to traditional healers for developing medicinal plant gardens within their homes or kitchen gardens.
The Board also supports the establishment and maintenance of School Herbal Gardens in villages where traditional healers reside, promoting awareness of medicinal plants among school students.
Free Medicinal Plants and Pulveriser Machines Distributed
Through the Home Herbal Garden Scheme, the Board distributes medicinal plant saplings free of cost to beneficiaries.
To assist economically weaker traditional healers in processing herbal medicines, the Board has also supplied 40 pulveriser machines free of charge across 28 districts of the state.
Comprehensive Action Plan Prepared for Effective Implementation
The meeting included detailed discussions on improving the implementation of key programmes such as the Healer Herbal Garden Scheme, School and Home Herbal Gardens, Vaidya Conferences, capacity-building training, Vaidya certification, and pulveriser machine distribution.
Participants collectively formulated detailed operational guidelines to ensure the effective implementation and expansion of these initiatives.
Board Reaffirms Commitment to Traditional Healthcare
Concluding the meeting, Board Chairman Vikas Markam reiterated that the Board remains fully committed to preserving traditional healthcare systems, protecting indigenous medicinal knowledge, enhancing the skills of traditional healers and supporting their socio-economic development.
Vice Chairman Anjay Shukla added that efforts would be made to facilitate the establishment of herbal treatment and consultation centres through Gram Panchayats, in line with the demands of traditional healers, to further strengthen and promote indigenous healthcare practices across rural Chhattisgarh.
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