STRC Vaidya Chikitsalay
A unique platform to promote traditional healers and their healing practices
Prologue
Forest dependent tribal communities, especially the local Traditional Healers or Vaidus across the Gadchiroli region, nestled in the lush green forests with rich diversity of valuable plant resource, are known to share a symbiotic relationship, have plethora of indigenous medicinal knowledge and are known to be the sole custodian of the age-old wisdom in ethno-medico botany. Such valuable indigenous knowledge inherited from previous generations, gurus, old texts and observations, is now facing an eminent danger of being irretrievable in the absence of scientifically documented evidence and validation.
To address the concern, STRC initiated the Van-aushadhi Abhiyan in 2017, Vaidu Sammelan in 2019 and development of the Vaidu Directory in 2021 to document this traditional wisdom and practices, culminating in the establishment of the Vaidya Chikitsalay in 2022. This initiative aims to promote traditional healers and their healing practices, and provide them due social recognition. Furthermore, this unique initiative opens the door for intensive research leading to the marriage of traditional healing practices with modern healthcare, ensuring holistic well-being for all, going forward.
objectives
Preserving Heritage | Empowering Healers | Healing Communities
To promote traditional healers and their healing practices through an University Platform
To integrate traditional healing system with modern healthcare practices
Key Highlights
- Significant patient inflow from far off and adjacent districts reflects growing popularity and sustained trust in traditional healing.
- University platform augurs well for greater recognition of THs and sustainable income provides required motivation to take up traditional healing as a lucrative profession
- Successfully treated patients have played the role of brand ambassadors by spreading the word around
Our Industry Partner
Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (Lloyd Infinite Foundation) extends support to open a branch of STRC Vaidya Chikitsalay at LKAM Hospital, Hedri, Etapalli; an effort to integrate traditional healing practices with modern healthcare services ensuring comprehensive healthcare support to the under-served communities of southern gadchiroli.
Future Scope
An unique initiative such as Vaidya Chikitsalay presents tremendous scope for ethno-medico botanical studies, lab research, extension and institutional collaboration. STRC would strive to create a robust network of traditional healers in the region, invest on building their capacities and work towards proposing formal recognition. Further research to integrate traditional practices with the modern healthcare system while preserving cultural heritage.
🔎 Networking & Empowerment of THs
Forming a larger network of traditional healthcare givers with proven expertise, and adherence to ethical practices and building their capacities
🔎 Research & Collaboration
Documenting the methods of treatment, conducting collaborative ethno-medico botanical studies and lab research to validate the efficacy of traditional remedies
🔎 Replicable Model for Universities / Institutes
STRC sees future scope of expansion of the Vaidya Chikitsalay platform, as a replicable model for other universities and institutes having its presence in relevant geographies
patient Testimonials
Heal Yourself
10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Tuesday to Friday
STRC, Gondwana University, Gadchiroli