Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh together with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways and AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal took part in a Presentation on Phytopharmaceutical mission to promote the documentation, scientific, validation and evaluation of traditional healthcare practices of NE India at Indian Medical Association (IMA) Hall, Lamphelpat. The two leaders also inaugurated a 50-bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital at Moreh through video conference.
Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan Singh, Advisor to Chief Minister (Health) Dr S Ranjan Singh and Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) V Vumlunmang also attended the function as dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the need for formulating a scientific plan to systematically grow indigenous medical plants for large-scale production. He also mentioned the need to explore the skills and knowledge of traditional healers like Maibas and Maibis in a more scientific manner.
For this, Biren Singh said, he would convene a joint deliberation of the scientists and officials of the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Directorate of AYUSH soon. The Chief Minister opined that the outcome of the deliberation would be useful in seeking assistance from the Centre in the promotion of AYUSH in the State as well.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the staff of the Directorate of AYUSH for their contribution in combating COVID-19 pandemic. He observed that the virus is now almost overcome in the State with joint efforts from different sections. However, he also cautioned the public to be careful as a new variant known as Omicron had started spreading in different countries, and some cases had been detected in India as well.
The Chief Minister said that screening of passengers had already begun at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in this regard. He also said that the Jiribam district would be rewarded for achieving 100 per first dose cent vaccination.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the North East region has been able to demonstrate its potential ever since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of the country. Soon after he assumed charge, Modi expressed his strong commitment to developing the North East region. Now, his commitment has started showing results, and the region is now progressing fast, he pointed out.
Likewise, Shri N. Biren Singh had also worked hard to bring Manipur on the path of peace and development. He congratulated the Chief Minister for achieving it within a short period of time. Sonowal opined that the finest gift that the N Biren Singh-led Government has presented to the people of Manipur is peace. As a peaceful atmosphere is there, work culture among people grows on its own, putting the State on the track of progress, he observed.
Appreciating Biren Singh for introducing Chief Minister-gi Hakshel-gi Tengbang (CMHT) for the needy people, Sonowal said that it is the right example of service to humanity by the state government under Shri M. Biren Singh’s leadership. He also congratulated the State Government for the successful implementation of CM’s Health for All scheme. The Union Minister stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi always says that he is not a Pradhan Mantri, but a Pradhan Sevak. The Government of Manipur is working in sync with the PM’s philosophy, he said.
Stating that Manipur has a huge wealth of medicinal plants, the minister observed that there is need to establish scientific validation if the state has to earn dividends from this resource. The Union Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had upgraded the Ministry of AYUSH from the status of Independent Charge to the Cabinet rank, and also hiked its budget triple times. It shows Modi’s commitment to promoting the AYUSH Ministry, he said.
Stating that Manipur is known for women empowerment, Shri Sonowal urged the womenfolk of the State in promoting AYUSH. He also stressed the need to integrate AYUSH and traditional methods to enhance the healthcare system of the country. Sonowal also vowed to extend full support to the State Government in the AYUSH sector.
IBSD Director Prof. Alok K. Mukherjee made a presentation on the Phytopharmaceutical mission at the occasion.
