Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav reaffirmed India's robust support for the World Health Organization's efforts to integrate traditional medicine into global healthcare systems during the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. Addressing delegates at Bharat Mandapam on December 18, 2025, Jadhav described the India-WHO collaboration, ongoing since 2016, as a shared commitment to mainstreaming practices like Ayurveda through rigorous science, standards, and evidence. The three-day summit, running from December 17 to 19, serves as a platform for advancing this agenda amid growing international interest in complementary therapies. Jadhav highlighted milestones such as the 2024 incorporation of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes into ICD-11 Module 2, marking formal recognition in global health classifications. This partnership aims to harmonize ancient wisdom with modern frameworks for wider acceptance and application.
Key ongoing projects include development of the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) and construction of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, set for inauguration in October 2025. Jadhav noted these initiatives signal a transformative shift toward institutionalizing traditional systems worldwide. India bolsters global cooperation by offering 104 annual scholarships to foreign nationals, signing 26 bilateral MoUs, and partnering with over 50 international institutions. Additionally, Ayush Chairs in 15 foreign universities and Information Cells in 43 countries facilitate knowledge dissemination and training.
Collaborative research exemplifies practical progress, with trials on Ashwagandha in the United Kingdom, Guduchi studies in Germany, and Ayurveda interventions for diabetes in Latvia. Jadhav emphasized India's use of digital tools like the Ayush Grid and artificial intelligence to document, validate, and apply traditional knowledge against modern health challenges. These efforts position India as a leader in evidence-based promotion of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.
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WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended India's role in a video message, praising the partnership and the Jamnagar centre's establishment. He referenced the World Health Assembly's 2025 adoption of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, prioritizing evidence-building, regulatory safety, primary healthcare integration, and benefits for biodiversity and sustainability. Tedros stressed health encompasses balance, dignity, and humanity's shared wisdom beyond mere technology.
The summit fosters dialogue on translating strategy into policies, with India's initiatives serving as models for other nations. Delegates explore regulatory harmonization, research methodologies, and sustainable practices amid rising post-pandemic demand for holistic approaches.
This endorsement reinforces India's pivotal influence in elevating traditional medicine's global profile through structured, scientific collaboration. Outcomes may shape future WHO guidelines and national health integrations worldwide. The focus on primary care and community well-being aligns with universal coverage goals. As discussions continue, emphasis remains on bridging ancient systems with contemporary needs responsibly. India's multifaceted contributions—from education to innovation—underscore commitment to this evolving field.
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