Shillong, July 2: Traditional Community Healthcare Providers (TCHPs) from Meghalaya have been awarded the first-ever certification under the Quality Council of India’s (QCI) Voluntary Certification Scheme for Traditional Community Healthcare Providers (VCSTCHP).

The certification, aligned with ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standards, was formally conferred during a “Certificate Distribution Programme” held at the Secretariat Wellness Centre in Shillong. Organised by the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) under the Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development (PIP&SD) Department, Government of Meghalaya, the event marked a significant milestone in the institutional recognition of traditional healing systems.

The certified healers, drawn from various regions of the state—including the Khasi, Jaintia, Ri Bhoi, and Garo Hills—were evaluated for their expertise in treating common ailments such as jaundice, arthritis, and for traditional bone setting. The certification not only validates their skills but also grants them access to schemes under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India—offering new opportunities for integration into the broader healthcare ecosystem.

“This initiative is a bridge between indigenous wisdom and contemporary healthcare,” said Dr. Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, and Director, AYUSH, who attended the event as Chief Guest. He praised BRDC and North East Christian University (NECU) for their roles in streamlining traditional practices and called for increased research and development in the traditional medicine sector.

Darlando T. Khathing, Pro Chancellor of NECU, highlighted the university’s role as the authorised certifying body for the North East. He noted that the certified healers are now featured on the QCI portal, offering global visibility to Meghalaya’s traditional medical practitioners.

Gunanka D.B., Additional Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and Member Secretary of BRDC, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the Centre’s efforts in documenting traditional medicine, building capacity among healers, and establishing Traditional Healing Clinics across the state.

“This recognition is a landmark effort in preserving traditional medical knowledge that has long served as a cornerstone of rural healthcare,” he said.

The event also served as a platform for traditional healers to share their experiences, reinforcing the cultural and community-rooted value of their practices. With this certification, Meghalaya takes a pioneering step in legitimising and uplifting traditional healing systems—ensuring they continue to thrive in harmony with modern healthcare frameworks.

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