A Training and Research Centre for low altitude medicinal plants for Drungtshos and Menpas will be established at Langthil Gewog in Trongsa, according to the plans of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB).
Langthil region has been recognised as a hot spot for medicinal plants which are not found in most districts. The construction of the centre is expected to start next year.
Due to lack of a proper training centre, every year faculties and trainees of the Traditional Medicine have been setting up tents at Langthil to conduct field training. And this has caused various inconveniences.
But the problem is likely to be solved once the Tongtophey grade II BHU moves to Dhangdoong BHU grade I hospital in January next year. And in its place, a field training and research centre will be set up here.
“Since they collect medicines from Langthil, they are planning to construct a Training and Research centre as soon as we hand over the land and infrastructures to them. They have inspected the place and already made plans to restore and expand the accommodation as well, ” Dorji Drakpa, the Health Assistant of Tongtophey BHU II, said.
Once the centre is established, activities such as planting of medicinal plants, developing a herbal garden, and conducting field research would be carried out.
Locals would also get opportunities to learn, cultivate, commercialise and conserve some of the highly valuable medicinal plants grown in the area. It is also expected to help promote the cultivation of medicinal plants among the community as a means of additional income.
Passang