India Emerges as a Leader in Traditional Medicine at WHO Summit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, highlighting India’s significant role in promoting traditional medicine as an integral part of global health systems. The Prime Minister noted the summit as a vital platform for international engagement, showcasing dialogues among leaders, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide.
During his address, Modi expressed pride in the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, a responsibility entrusted to India in 2022 by the international community. He remarked that the Centre has swiftly become a global hub for collaboration, research, and capacity building, reflecting the world’s growing trust in India’s leadership in this field.
Focusing on the summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being,” Modi emphasized that balance is essential for holistic health, a concept rooted in Ayurveda. He pointed out that many contemporary health issues, from lifestyle-related disorders to chronic diseases, stem from imbalance. Thus, he urged for coordinated action to tackle these challenges, especially amid rapid lifestyle changes driven by technology.
Emphasizing the need for trust and credibility, Modi insisted that traditional medicine must evolve alongside scientific validation and global regulatory standards. He announced the launch of the Traditional Medicine Global Library, ensuring everyone has access to essential scientific data and policy information. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing global public health and called for collective action in advancing traditional medicine.
Addressing concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine, Modi mentioned ongoing research initiatives in India, which strive to validate these practices scientifically. He highlighted Ashwagandha as a notable example of a traditional herb gaining popularity globally, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as India works towards establishing its acceptance through rigorous research.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Modi’s global leadership in traditional medicine, acknowledging the Prime Minister’s earlier calls for international cooperation. He affirmed that Modi’s vision reflects the core principles of traditional medicine, focusing on balance and harmony. Dr. Tedros noted India’s endeavors in integrating traditional practices into health systems, raising hopes for universal health coverage.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda,also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s efforts in positioning traditional medicine as a credible health system. He underlined the purposeful merging of AYUSH systems with modern medical institutions, enhancing preventive and holistic care. The minister expressed confidence that the summit’s outcomes would bolster health systems both regionally and globally.
Moreover, Minister of State for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, expressed gratitude to global leaders and stakeholders for their engagement in the summit, noting a shift towards recognizing traditional medicine as a crucial aspect of preventive care. He called upon Member States to translate summit discussions into actionable national strategies.
As a highlight of the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing research and regulatory cooperation. Additionally, he launched the Traditional Medicine Global Library, promoting accessibility to validated knowledge worldwide. Recognizing contributions to yoga, Modi also presented the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga to individuals and organizations.
The Second WHO Global Summit concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which reaffirms traditional medicine as a shared heritage and signals a collective commitment to enhancing research and collaboration in healthcare.
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