Dhading, October 6 :

Chepang shamans of Dhading district offer prudent suggestions to patients who visit them. After applying their healing methods, they ask the patients to visit medical personnel for check-up and treatment.

Chepang shamans of Pida, Dhusha, Jogimara, Gajuri, Benighat and Mahadevsthan VDCs of the district have been serving patients this way.

The change in their view of the modern health system was an upshot following the training and awareness programmes launched by the government and non-government organisations.

The Chepang community has high regards for shamans. Any further awareness programme for shamans could result in a dramatic health consciousness among the Chepang community, central member of the Nepal Chepang Association Jitendra Chepang said.

Other communities, too, have faith in Chepang shamans. The attitude of shamans towards modern medicine is expected to do good to the society.