Meghalaya: 101 year old traditional healer felicitated

Newmai News Network

Shillong | November 10  


A 101 year old traditional healer was felicitated on November 9 by youth of South West Khasi Hills for his contribution towards traditional system of medicine that benefitted a number of people in the rural areas.


Stianly Ïawphniaw, a resident of Ngunraw was felicitated by the Thaiñ Ban Kyntiew Youth & Social Welfare Organisation (TBKY&SWO) for practicing since 1970 and cured many people suffering from an array of illnesses.
Ïawphniaw is known for treating fractures, dog and snake bites and even help pregnant women during child delivery.
The traditional system of medicine in the Khasi Jaiñtia hills has earned accolades all over India and traditional experienced traditional healers still have thriving practices across Meghalaya.


Research has shown that about 75 per cent of the rural people bank on this form of treatment of their illnesses and this can be attributed to a number of factors.


The first factor is the wealth of knowledge about medicinal herbs and healing methods that have been passed down through generations which has resulted in a vast repository of treatments for several illnesses.


Financial constraint which the people in rural Meghalaya have to keep in consideration is another issue when availing of medical care. It cannot be denied that medical care in hospitals and clinics does not come cheap and is often beyond the reach of many. This is in stark difference to the amount they have to spend on traditional medicine which uses a number of medicinal plants and herbs which are readily available and abundant in the state.


The function was attended by the Syiem of Hima Maharam Niandro Syiemiong as the chief guest besides Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Mawkyrwat ICTC Ribor Kharshynniang, D Thongni, Myntri of Ngunraw, P Turnia, Assistant Headmaster of Turnia Shining Secondary School, members of TBKY&SWO and villagers.