India, Nepal Deepen Health Collaboration at WHO Traditional Medicine Summit

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda held a productive bilateral meeting with Nepal's Minister for Health and Population, Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam, on the sidelines of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. The discussion was described as warm and constructive, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between India and Nepal. Both ministers focused on expanding cooperation in the health sector and reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration for tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.

The meeting occurred during the three-day summit (December 17-19, 2025), co-hosted by India's Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization at Bharat Mandapam. The event emphasizes evidence-based integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into global health systems, in line with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. Nepal's active participation highlights shared interests in traditional practices, particularly Ayurveda, with historical significance in both nations.

Minister Nadda and Dr. Sharma explored avenues for enhanced partnership, including capacity building, essential medicine supply, disease surveillance, digital health initiatives, and regulatory harmonization. This engagement aligns with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and builds on longstanding health diplomacy between the two countries.

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The summit has facilitated numerous bilateral interactions, with India's Ayush Ministry engaging delegations from over 15 countries, including Nepal. Nepali experts contributed to sessions on research, governance, and pathways for traditional medicine integration.

Such high-level exchanges at international forums strengthen people-centric healthcare ties, promoting resilient systems and knowledge sharing in traditional medicine for regional well-being. The summit is set to conclude with key commitments and innovations in the field.

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