How India's Traditional Medicine is Set to Shine Globally with WHO Partnership
A Historic Agreement for Traditional Medicine
New Delhi: In a significant move that could elevate the global perception of traditional medicine, the Ministry of Ayush has entered into a partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
This agreement, finalized on Saturday, initiates the development of a specialized Traditional Medicine module within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), as stated by the Ayush Ministry.
During the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "Friends, something remarkable has occurred in the realm of Ayurveda... Just yesterday, on May 24th, an MoU was signed in the presence of WHO Director General and my friend Tulsi Bhai."
He further noted, "With this agreement, we have commenced work on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the ICHI. This initiative aims to disseminate Ayush practices to a broader audience globally in a scientific manner."
The ICHI, which complements the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), catalogs the various treatments and health interventions provided.
The introduction of a traditional medicine module will ensure that therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani systems—including Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani treatments, and Siddha practices—are recognized using standardized global terminology, according to the ministry's announcement.
This development is expected to yield numerous advantages, including transparent billing and equitable pricing for Ayush services, easier integration of Ayush treatments into health insurance plans, and improved hospital management, clinical documentation, and health research.
Most importantly, it will enhance global access to Ayush interventions.
This initiative aligns with India's goal of integrating its rich traditional knowledge into the global healthcare framework, supported by scientific classification and international standards, as stated by the ministry.
Welcoming the agreement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed on X, "I am pleased to sign an agreement for a $3 million contribution from India to WHO's efforts on traditional medicine and the International Classification of Health Interventions, alongside @moAyush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha. We appreciate India's ongoing commitment to #HealthForAll."
The combined influence of ICD-11 for diseases and the new ICHI module for interventions will ensure that Ayush becomes a recognized, evidence-based component of global healthcare systems, according to the ministry's statement.
This is not merely a coding update; it represents a transformative leap toward affordable, accessible, and reliable healthcare through India's traditional systems.