Traditional Medicine

Syllabus Areas:

GS III - Economy

The article is in news because India, in collaboration with WHO, is set to host the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi (December 17–19, 2025). The summit aims to advance evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into global health systems and support WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–34.

Rising Global Need for Holistic Health

  • Modern challenges—lifestyle diseases, environmental degradation, social stress—have pushed the world toward more integrated and preventive health systems.
  • Traditional medicine emphasises balance between body, mind, environment, and society, contrasting with reactive, disease-centric approaches.

Traditional Medicine: Global Relevance

  • 90% of WHO member-states report using traditional medicine.
  • For billions, especially in LMICs, it is the first line of healthcare—accessible, affordable, and culturally rooted.
  • Its importance extends beyond healthcare to biodiversity, nutrition, food security, and rural livelihoods.

India’s AYUSH Growth Story

  • India’s AYUSH market is estimated at $43.4 billion, showing global demand and systemic shift toward preventive, personalised, and holistic healthcare.
  • Represents a move away from fragmented care toward ecosystems of mind–body–environment harmony.

India as a Global Leader in Traditional Medicine

  • India has become a research and innovation hub in traditional medicine.
  • WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) was set up in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with India’s support.
  • GTMC focuses on:
    • Evidence and learning
    • Data and analytics
    • Sustainability
    • Equity
    • Protection of local heritage and rights

Evidence-Based Strengthening of Traditional Medicine

  • Government initiatives include:
    • A dedicated AYUSH department in BIS
    • Development of global standards for AYUSH systems (ISO/TC 249/SC 2)
    • Promoting scientific validation and wider global acceptance

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine – Gujarat 2023

  • First summit held in Gandhinagar alongside the G20 Health Ministers’ meet.
  • Brought together ministers, scientists, practitioners, and communities.
  • Outcomes:
    • Political commitment enhanced
    • Data-driven action encouraged
    • Roadmap formed for evidence-based integration into national systems
  • Gujarat Declaration called for:
    • Protection of biodiversity
    • Digital innovation
    • Fair benefit-sharing
    • Equitable access to health knowledge
Traditional Medicine

The Next Big Step: WHO–India Summit 2025

  • WHO & India signed an MoU to co-host the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi (17–19 Dec 2025).
  • Theme: “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being.”
  • Will support WHO’s new 10-year Global Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025–34).
  • Aim: mobilise global stakeholders to integrate traditional medicine evidence-based, ethically, and sustainably.

India’s Broader Message to the World

  • India demonstrates how ancient knowledge can coexist with modern science—
    Ayurveda + research, Yoga + technology, Unani/Siddha + community participation.
  • Principles:
    • Health must heal, not harm
    • Progress must sustain, not consume
    • Science must serve, not separate
  • The summit is not just an event but a global effort to reaffirm that the future of health lies in harmony, not fragmentation.

Prelims Questions:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC):
  1. It is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
  2. It functions as WHO’s global knowledge hub for evidence-based traditional medicine.
  3. It was established under the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–34.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
2. With reference to the First WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (2023), consider the following:
  1. It was held alongside the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.
  2. The Gujarat Declaration adopted at the Summit emphasised biodiversity protection and fair benefit-sharing.
  3. The Summit was co-hosted by India and WHO.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1, 2 and 3
  4. 1 and 3 only
3. Which of the following best describes the global shift in healthcare highlighted in the article?
  1. Movement from public to private healthcare systems
  2. Transition from reactive treatment models to preventive and personalised healthcare
  3. Replacement of modern medicine with traditional medicine
  4. Exclusive prioritisation of technological solutions
4. Consider the following statements about India’s efforts in standardising AYUSH systems:
  1. India has established a dedicated AYUSH department under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
  2. India participates in global standard-setting for traditional medicine through ISO/TC 249/SC 2.
  3. These initiatives aim to promote uniform global regulation of pharmaceuticals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
5. The theme of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (2025) is:
  1. “Traditional Wisdom, Modern Health”
  2. “Integrative Medicine for a New Era”
  3. “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being”
  4. “Sustainable Health for All”
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2, and 3