Palle Srujana organized a two day meet for knowledge sharing by Traditional healers from various parts of Andhra Pradesh under the aegis of NIF-India. Invitations were sent to healers in the tribal belts of Adilabad, Warangal, Srikakulam, Kurnool and Visakhapatnam areas. In all about 25 healers participated in the meeting and were supported by eminent experts in the field of Ayurveda from the formal sector.  Dr. Vipin and Dr. Vivek Kumar  alongwith their team from NIF-India were present.

Explaining the purpose of the meet, Brig P Ganesham stated that this meet was organized to provide a platform for tribal healers from various regions of Andhra Pradesh to explore the possibility of bench marking best practices for common diseases of humans and animals, Identify the rare and likely extinct herbal plants, prepare a list of herbal plants with local names and botanical names identified for the herbal used by the healers. The purpose in the long run, was to evolve “Telugu medicine’ compiling the best practices for diseases being practiced effectively by traditional healers in AP after due validation of these practices by formal system.

The need for cross learning amongst the healers, documenting various healing practices depending upon availability of herbs and plants in the respective areas, selecting the common practices , documenting them and getting them validated by competent persons and giving publicity to them were the major objectives envisaged to achieve in this two day meet.  For this purpose, Palle Srujana with guidance from NIF has listed out 12 major ailments for deliberation in the meet, whose protocols were ready with CSIR for quick validation of practices.

There was lot of enthusiasm, and energy during the meet.   Treatment for prevalent diseases such as diabetes, Malaria, Asthma and lung related problems, skin diseases, psoriasis, leprosy, Arthritis, Rheumatism, hypertension, Epilepsy, Obesity, animal diseases, bone fractures etc  was deliberated and healing practices recorded during two days. More than six unique practices were found after a quick Prior Art Search (PAS) by NIF-Team. Patents for these will be applied for after another check within three months on the name of the Healer from AP who shared his knowledge. A great amount of cross learning, understanding the best practices, willingness to learn and practice them was displayed by the healers as they sat till midnight to interact amongst themselves.  Against the apprehension that healers may not share their knowledge, they were more than willing to share their experiences and were also keen learn from others to raise their level of treatment. In some case, many noted down the treatment of those diseases which hitherto they were not providing treatment. The depth of knowledge the healers displayed in understanding the diagnosis, treatment, effective use of the herbs impressed the formal experts immensely.

General public who attended the meet were benefitted by learning many simple and natural ways of maintaining health. A good interaction with the healers gave them a lot of effective home remedies and procedures to treat their diseases.

The representatives from NIF promised the gathering that they would commence the follow up work immediately and keep Palle Srujana posted of the developments.  

The first meet appeared to have achieved all its objectives providing lot of satisfaction and an opportunity to Palle Srujana to bring healers from various parts of the state to one platform.  Palle Srujana hopes to take the findings forward for the benefit of people at large by providing, alternate and affordable best herbal practices to the people which ultimately ensure cheap yet effective treatments for the diseases.

First step was firm and meaningful. We look forward to bring more traditional healers to one platform periodically in various parts of the State, with a view to raise the level of treatments to match with best practices.

Palle Srujana expresses its gratitude to all the participants for making the event a memorable and useful exercise.