With 50 to 80 per cent of the world’s population depending on traditional medicine, there is need to gather scientific evidence of its healing powers, according to Darshan Shankar, Planning Commission advisor to the Department of Ayush.

At conference on Traditional Medicine for Sustainable Healthcare organized by the Foundation of Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), he said that India is home to six lakh folk healers and more than 6,200 medicinal plant species. These herbs with curative properties are found in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and there is need to replicate the medical practices of folk healers in other parts of the country and integrate them into local health practices.

The conference, which focused on how traditional healers can add value to mainstream healthcare, is the first of its kind. Participants from 18 countries such as Peru, Chile, Uganda, Sri Lanka, etc. exchanged their knowledge and best practices, according to G Hariramamurthi, senior programme officer, FRLHT and convener of the Traditional Medicine conference.

The interaction and collaboration of traditional healthcare will promote inclusive economic development. There are many similarities between the traditional medicines in Africa and India, said Hariramamurthi.

In 2008, the WHO Congress recommended member countries to integrate traditional medicines into their national health systems. Karnataka is the only state to integrate traditional medicine at Primary Health Centres. There is a dedicated Ayush cell in these PHCs which provide regular treatment.

There are over a million healers in the country working in remote rural regions providing primary healthcare to the villagers. Efforts are on to drive the policy measures to integrate traditional systems in our primary healthcare.

The 6,200 medicinal plant varieties in the country are much higher than what are available in Europe. Going hand-in-hand with the healing initiative is the creation of awareness on conserving forest resources which is known for its medicinal worth. Studies have also shown that green leafy herbs can prevent anaemia and Tinospora. Cordifolia Amrutha balli has been a great source to prevent H1N1, said Darshan Shankar.

Traditional medicine has been used to treat mental health disorders which are among the six priority issues before the World Health Organization. Village doctors are spread across talukas and providing medical care in places where patients have no primary healthcare centres. There are around a dozen recognized healers in each taluka. Today, with traditional medicinal plant species becoming extinct, the medicinal knowledge which is not documented, is faced with the threat of losing these healers who have been the saviours of rural populations. Traditional healers are contributing significantly to promoting community health. Today, when modern doctors are not willing to serve in rural and remote areas, it is these healers who are depended upon, he added. The healers have been offering their expertise in maternal healthcare and treating epidemics also, said Shankar.