The Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur on Friday urged union minister of ports, shipping and waterways and minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal to establish a ‘National Manipuri Traditional Medicine and Research Institute’ in Manipur.
AIMS has sent a letter to the ministry by informing that traditional health care practices were once prevalent and still being followed extensively in Manipur and still exists as the only medical facility available in some rural areas of Manipur.
AIMS stated that since prehistoric times, Manipur had a unique history of using medicinal plants to treat various primary health ailments. Manipur has separate ancient manuscript texts, ‘Puya’ known as Hidaklon (a folk medicine in five volumes), it mentioned.
It further stated that Manipur falls in the Indo-Burma Centre of biodiversity ‘Hotspot’ of global significance. “The State has rich and diverse fauna, flora and various medicinal plants available. However, they grow as wild plants without any value. If they are promoted properly, these medicinal herbs will be of very high value in the international market,” it added.
They can also be the alternative plant for opium-poppy, one of the most challenging issues in Northeast India, it stated. During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is pertinent to set up a National Manipuri Traditional Medicine and Research Institute in Manipur, it maintained.
It further stated that the traditional medicine from Manipur has been thriving with the promotion and standardising activities in Myanmar with great momentum.