Himalayan News Service

Phidim, March 10:

It’s unbelievable, but it’s ture. A majority of people living in rural parts of the Panchathar district visit shamans — and not health workers and doctors — when they take ill. The medicos’ turn comes only when the shamans’ expertise doesn’t work. Bhagmaya Adhikari of Ektin VDC-6 says it’s better to call shamans because health workers need to be paid. She has been suffering from fever for two weeks. Many people living in Ektin, Prangbung, Siddhin and Memeng VDCs are suffering from fever, but visiting medicos is out of question. Said Aash B Ale, a shaman of Prangbung, “People may be preferring shamans due to lack of awareness.” Locals said people might have taken ill because an evil star had cast its spell on them. Said Dilliram Khatiwada, a staffer of the sub-health post, Ektin, “Weather has changed, but there is no pressure of patients in the hospital.”Meanwhile, business is good for Ale and others. According to Ale, about 15 people come to him for treatment every day.