Second WHO Summit Concludes: India Showcased Integration of Traditional Medicine into Health Systems
The WHO Director-General praises India for integrating traditional medicine and modern science to tackle global health challenges.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India on Friday for demonstrating that traditional wisdom and modern science are complementary, as the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine concluded. Speaking at the closing session, Tedros highlighted India's leadership in integrating traditional practices into contemporary healthcare systems. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for elevating the global discourse on traditional medicine.
The three-day summit, jointly organized by the WHO and the Government of India, brought together ministers, scientists, practitioners, and indigenous leaders from over 100 countries. Discussions focused on incorporating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into national health frameworks to address modern challenges like rising healthcare costs and inequitable access. Tedros emphasized that traditional medicine offers viable solutions to these issues.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that India has shown the world how tradition and innovation can advance together harmoniously. He reiterated that traditional medicine helps tackle the growing economic burden of health systems and improves service accessibility. The summit built on the first global gathering in Gandhinagar in 2023, reinforcing commitments to evidence-based integration.
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Key outcomes included consensus on regulating traditional medicine for safety and quality, protecting biodiversity and traditional knowledge, and respecting intellectual property rights. Participants also agreed to leverage digital technologies responsibly for research and data sharing. There was strong emphasis on incorporating safe and effective traditional practices into both public and private healthcare systems.
The summit underscored the need for an integrated and inclusive approach to global health. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for unity in building healthier societies by balancing human needs with planetary sustainability. The event marked another milestone in elevating traditional medicine's role in universal health coverage.
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