Dialogue is one of the strategic pillars of Caritas India which emphasizes dialogue with the poor, with nature and with duty bearers. Caritas India and its SABAL programme partner organizations- Jeevan Vikas Sanstha, Matru Schaya Social Centre Bhandaraj and  Dayasagar Social Center Ranigram, Amravati organized district-level consultation on traditional healers on 23^rd September 2022. The consultation brought District health and women child development officials, Traditional healers, Anganwadi workers, Asha Workers, and NGO representatives to a common table at Jeevan Vikas Sanstha, Paratwada, Amravati. The discussion focussed on strengthening the existing health services to address the worst malnutrition scenario in the Melghat region of Maharashtra. More than 100 Bhumkas & Padihars (traditional healers) from 71 SABAL project villages of the Melghat region participated in the interaction.

The main dignitaries present were the District Government health department including Dr. Kailash Ghodke Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Women and Child Development, as Chief Guest. Dr. Dilip Ranmale, District Health Officer, Zilla Parishad, Amravati, Additional District Health Officer, Dr. Subhash Dhole, Senior journalist Mr. Sanjay Joshi, Prof. Dr. Eknath Tatte, District Tuberculosis Control Officer Dr. Bansod, Dr. Chandan Pimperkar, Taluka Medical Officer. Dr. Wankhade, Child Development Project Officer, Mr. Wankhade, Fr. Jose Kunnappally, Executive director of JVS, Adv. Sr. Amritha, Adv. Sr. Hira, Dr. Mukund Deshmukh, Asst. Lead Caritas India.

Dr. Kailash Ghodke and Dr. Dilip Ranmale led a meaningful discussion with traditional healers and said that efforts will be made from the government level to recognize these traditional healers as patient friends and pay remuneration for their work. They also said that these traditional healers could guide community members needing medical treatment in the hospitals and especially pregnant women’ for safe deliveries. Dr. Kailash Ghodke and Dr. Dilip Ranmale appreciated the good work carried out by these traditional healers Bhumkas and gave Rs; 25,000/- as a token amount of appreciation. Few traditional healers and Anganwadi workers were honoured on the occasion for their collaboration and networking with the Sabal Project.

Fr. Dr. Jolly Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India and Dr. Saju M.K. Caritas India West Zone team lead was happy to see more than 100 participations of traditional healers and appreciated them for their instant services in the villages and cooperation and collaboration in Sabal Project to improve the present situation in Melghat area. They also acknowledged all three Sabal partners for playing an important role in the elimination of malnutrition at the village level.  The traditional healers were given a platform to put their role in front of the administration and they are hopeful that this dialogue will be the beginning of the future in strengthening the health and nutrition services of Melghat.

Traditional healers, Asha and Anganwadi workers were honoured on this occasion for their collaboration and networking with the Sabal. Traditional healers were also given the opportunity to express their viewpoints, from the villages of Khadimal, Khogda, Biba expressed their thoughts that with the changing situation, they said we are ready to leave the traditional treatment and work in coordination with the district administration to participate in this development process and promised they wholehearted participation in this work. Traditional healers demonstrated to the present officers how they recognize the child is malnourish or out of danger through MUAC tape (Mid Upper Arm Circumference) and submitted a memorandum to be recognized as a patient friend at the government level. We are ready to join hands with the administration to strengthen the health and nutrition services in Melghat as per the changing situation” Mr. Chunnu Bhusum, traditional healers of Melghat area.

Dr. Mukund Deshmukh, Asst, pro. lead Caritas India, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the guests present, he also thanked the organizing team Fr. Jose Kunnappally the Executive Director Jeevan Vikas Sanstha,  Adv. Sr. Amritha George, Adv Sr. Hira Parkhe Mr. Nitin  Jamnik  Mr. Rupesh Ingle, Mr. Raju and volunteers for their cooperation in making this workshop a memorable success.