India Collaborates with WHO to Promote Ayush on a Global Scale

In a significant move to elevate the global status of traditional medicine, the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a groundbreaking agreement on May 24, 2025. This agreement initiates the development of a dedicated Traditional Medicine module within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this achievement during his 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, emphasizing its potential to expand the reach of Ayurvedic practices worldwide.

Significance of the Agreement

The agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO represents a pivotal moment for traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda. Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that it will facilitate the scientific dissemination of Ayush practices globally. The establishment of a Traditional Medicine module under the ICHI aims to standardize the classification of various therapies, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani systems. This standardization is crucial for integrating these traditional practices into the broader healthcare framework, ensuring they are recognized and utilized effectively.

The ICHI will complement the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which documents health interventions and treatments. By including traditional medicine practices, the ICHI will provide a structured approach to understanding and implementing these therapies in a global context. This initiative not only acknowledges the value of traditional medicine but also positions it as a vital component of modern healthcare.

Benefits of the Traditional Medicine Module

The introduction of the Traditional Medicine module is expected to yield numerous benefits for practitioners and patients alike. One of the primary advantages is the establishment of transparent billing and fair pricing for Ayush services. This transparency will enhance trust and accessibility for patients seeking alternative treatments. Additionally, the integration of Ayush therapies into health insurance coverage will facilitate smoother access to these services, making them more affordable for a broader population.

Moreover, the module will improve hospital management and clinical documentation, paving the way for enhanced health research. By standardizing traditional medicine practices, healthcare providers can better track outcomes and efficacy, contributing to a more robust evidence base. Most importantly, this initiative aims to increase global accessibility to Ayush interventions, allowing more individuals to benefit from these time-honored practices.

Global Commitment to Traditional Medicine

The agreement aligns with India’s vision of promoting its rich heritage of traditional medicine on the global stage. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the partnership, highlighting India’s $3 million contribution to support the WHO’s work on traditional medicine and the ICHI. This commitment underscores the importance of integrating traditional practices into global health strategies, ensuring that they are recognized and utilized effectively.

The collaboration between India and WHO signifies a collective effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability through traditional medicine. By establishing a framework for these practices, both organizations aim to create a more inclusive healthcare system that respects and incorporates diverse medical traditions.

A Transformative Step for Healthcare

The combined impact of the ICD-11 and the new ICHI module is poised to make Ayush an integral part of global healthcare systems. This initiative is not merely a technical update; it represents a transformative step toward making affordable, accessible, and trusted healthcare available through India’s traditional systems. As the world increasingly recognizes the value of holistic and alternative therapies, this agreement marks a significant stride in integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.

By fostering collaboration between traditional and modern medical practices, the agreement aims to create a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness. The future of healthcare may well depend on the successful integration of diverse medical systems, and this agreement is a crucial step in that direction.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn