Indian Economy News

India reinforces commitment to World Health Organization (WHO) global traditional medicine strategy at 78th World Health Assembly

At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva under the theme “One World for Health,” India reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening Traditional Medicine (TM) systems as part of an integrated healthcare approach. Representing India, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. Arindam Bagchi, welcomed the adoption of the new World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and highlighted India’s efforts to incorporate evidence-based traditional practices into national and global health frameworks. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, India’s approach integrates modern medicine with scientifically validated traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha, serving as a practical model for other countries. Mr. Arindam Bagchi noted India’s strong leadership in implementing the previous WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2014–2023) and expressed full support for the new framework.
India’s contribution to the global traditional medicine (TM) ecosystem is exemplified by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which was launched in 2022 with the support of the Government of India and inaugurated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi alongside WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The Centre plays a vital role in data analytics, policy support, standard-setting, and research collaboration. A significant development this year was the signing of a Donor Agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO on May 24, 2025, to develop a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). He noted in his “Mann Ki Baat” address that this milestone would help Ayush systems gain global recognition through a scientific and standardised framework. Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Mr. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, stated that India is proud to contribute to the global integration of Traditional Medicine and remains committed to supporting WHO’s efforts for inclusive, safe, and evidence-based traditional healthcare. India continues to actively support WHO and Member States in realising the full potential of Traditional Medicine to achieve universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.

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