India reaffirmed its commitment to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 at the 78th World Health Assembly, emphasizing the integration of evidence-based traditional medicine (TM) systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha into national and global healthcare frameworks. India has demonstrated leadership in implementing previous TM strategies and supports the new framework, highlighting the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as a key contribution. A donor agreement was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO to develop a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), aiming to enhance the scientific credibility and global recognition of Ayush systems. India supports WHO's efforts to promote inclusive, safe, and evidence-based traditional healthcare, aligning with the strategy's emphasis on regulation, integration of TM services, and upholding indigenous knowledge and sustainability.
Key Entities Referenced
AYUSH India: Refers to the Indian governmental body or initiative focused on Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy: A World Health Organization strategy focused on traditional medicine practices worldwide.
78th World Health Assembly: The 78th session of the World Health Assembly.
27 MAY 2025: Date of the press release.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - the source of the news release.
Geneva: Location of the 78th World Health Assembly.
One World for Health: The theme of the 78th World Health Assembly.
Traditional Medicine: Refers to systems of medicine based on indigenous theories, beliefs and experiences.
Shri Arindam Bagchi: Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva.
United Nations: The United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945.
WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 20252034: The new WHO strategy for traditional medicine covering the period 2025-2034.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India.
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha: Specific traditional systems of medicine recognized and promoted by the Indian government.
WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 20142023: The previous WHO strategy for traditional medicine covering the period 2014-2023.
WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre GTMC: A WHO center located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, focused on traditional medicine.
Jamnagar, Gujarat: Location of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in India.
2022: Year the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) was launched.
Government of India: The government of India.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: WHO Director General.
Ministry of Ayush: The Indian ministry dedicated to Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
May 24, 2025: Date of the Donor Agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO.
International Classification of Health Interventions ICHI: An international classification system for health interventions, under which a Traditional Medicine module will be developed.
Mann Ki Baat: A radio program hosted by the Prime Minister of India.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha: Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
Member States: Countries that are members of the WHO.
Sustainable Development Goals: A collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all'.
MVAKS: Initials likely representing the author or a reference code for the news release.
Release ID: 2131618: Identification number of the press release.
AYUSH
India Reinforces Commitment to WHO Global
Traditional Medicine Strategy at 78th World Health
Assembly
Posted On: 27 MAY 2025 3:39PM by PIB Delhi
th
At the 78 World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva under the theme “One World for Health,” India
reiterated its strong commitment to strengthening Traditional Medicine (TM) systems as part of an integrated
approach to healthcare. Speaking on behalf of India, Shri Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative to the
United Nations in Geneva, welcomed the adoption of the new WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy
2025–2034 and highlighted India’s efforts to embed evidence-based traditional practices into national and
global health frameworks.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s approach, characterized by the
integration of modern medicine with scientifically validated traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga,
Unani, and Siddha, was emphasised as a practical model for other nations. Mr. Bagchi noted that India had
shown strong leadership in implementing the previous WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2014–2023) and
expressed support for its successor framework.
India’s significant contribution to the global TM ecosystem is reflected in the establishment of the WHO
Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Launched in 2022 with the support of the
Government of India and inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi alongside WHO Director-
General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Centre is the first of its kind and plays a vital role in data
analytics, policy support, standard-setting, and research collaboration.
A key development this year was the signing of a Donor Agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and
WHO on May 24, 2025, to initiate work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International
Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). Lauding this milestone during his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime
Minister Modi noted it would enable Ayush systems to reach a global audience through a scientific and
standardised framework.
“India is proud to contribute to the global integration of Traditional Medicine. The ICHI module will enhance
scientific credibility and facilitate global recognition of Ayush systems. We remain committed to supporting
WHO’s efforts of inclusive, safe, and evidence-based traditional healthcare,” said Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha,
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
As per the news release issued by the WHO, the new WHO strategy encourages Member States to enhance
regulation, integrate TM services where appropriate, and uphold indigenous knowledge, environmental
sustainability, and biodiversity. India’s initiatives resonate strongly with these principles, underscoring its role
as a committed partner in advancing traditional medicine for global well-being.
India remains dedicated to supporting WHO and Member States in realising the full potential of Traditional
Medicine in achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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MV/AKS(Release ID: 2131618)