Prof. Buddhadeb Chaudhuri
The prevailing health and medical system and the western system have unfortunately failed to meet the need of the world's majority particularly in the rural areas. The failure of the Alma Ata Declaration in fulfilling its objectives of achieving Health for all by the year 2000 gives more urgency for looking for an alternative. Generally when we talk or think about science, we refer to the western or industrial society. In the context of scientific development, we prefer to discuss more about the so-called modern scientific innovations assuming that science is only there in those societies and quite often implying that scientific rigor or interest is absent in other societies. The role of science is to help mankind to meet the various demands exploiting the natural resources in the best possible way without adversely affecting the environment. In most societies there does exist a rich body of knowledge based on the demands of the concerned societies but quite often these are ignored. What I want to impress here is that we need to look at indigenous science and technology particularly when an existing body of knowledge is available. Perhaps it is better to develop it instead of replacing it in the name of scientific development. Besides the traditional knowledge and wisdom have important implications in the contest of globalization process. The traditional tribal medicine and treatment in India have been examined in this context.