Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has underscored the need to integrate indigenous healing systems with contemporary healthcare frameworks to strengthen medical outreach in the state’s remote and tribal regions.
Addressing a public event dedicated to healthcare and indigenous knowledge, Mein highlighted the enduring value of traditional tribal medicine, which he described as both a cultural asset and a practical health resource. He pointed out that many communities in Arunachal still rely on herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and traditional healers for their everyday medical needs.
“The indigenous knowledge of our tribal communities is not just cultural heritage—it is also a valuable healthcare resource,” Mein remarked. He stressed that bridging the gap between ancestral wisdom and scientific medicine could lead to a more holistic, inclusive, and culturally attuned health system across Arunachal Pradesh.
Mein advocated for the documentation and scientific validation of traditional practices to ensure their safety and efficacy. He also proposed government-supported initiatives to train and certify traditional practitioners, allowing them to work in tandem with modern health professionals.
Calling for a collaborative effort among researchers, policy-makers, and tribal elders, the Deputy Chief Minister urged stakeholders to create a sustainable healthcare model that honours traditional systems while embracing medical innovation. His remarks mark a significant push toward culturally sensitive public health strategies in one of India’s most diverse and geographically challenging states.