Ayush aims to become integral part of broader digital health ecosystems
New Delhi, July 14
Incorporating standardised health terminologies will ensure Ayush interventions become an integral part of broader digital health ecosystems, matching modern health informatics standards, according to Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
The Ayush Ministry has launched a five-day workshop on WHO-ICHI Framework for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems, which marks an important step towards positioning India's traditional medicine systems within the global digital health ecosystem and universal health coverage frameworks.
Kotecha said that this initiative is much more than a coding exercise.
"It represents a transformational step towards positioning India's traditional medical systems within the global scientific, digital, and policy ecosystem," he said at the inaugural session.
Dr Kavita Jain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, detailed the long-term policy impacts of incorporating traditional practices into digital documentation and global health systems.
Global operational context was shared by Dr. Geeta Krishnan, Unit Head, GTMC Jamnagar, alongside key addresses from WHO representatives Dr. Robert Jakob, Data Standards and Informatics Team Leader, and Dr Stephane Espinosa, Consultant, WHO, who focused on global interoperability and alignment with digital informatics.
The workshop is being organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) through its World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad.
It brings together leading scientific experts, institutional heads, and international informatics professionals to finalise a scientifically robust, layered hierarchy of National Health Intervention Codes (NHIC) for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) systems.
The workshop builds upon the base drafts prepared during the consultative meetings held in May 2026.
The expert-validated repository currently covers 13 specialties, 76 therapies and 714 procedures for Ayurveda; 25 specialties, 130 therapies and 996 procedures for Siddha; and 15 specialties, 179 therapies and 551 procedures for Unani, said the statement.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the effort, I hope this doesn't lead to unnecessary bureaucracy or dilution of our traditional knowledge. Let's ensure that the essence of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani isn't lost in translation just to fit into Western digital frameworks. Balance is key! 😊
This is a massive step for integrating our traditional medicine into global health systems. With 714 procedures for Ayurveda alone, the depth of our knowledge is incredible. I just hope the implementation at grassroots level gets proper funding and training. Otherwise, it'll remain a paper exercise.
As someone who has studied global health systems, I find this initiative really promising! Standardizing traditional medicine with WHO's International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) is crucial for data exchange and research. India is showing leadership in this space. Looking forward to seeing how this evolves.
Honestly, this is wonderful news! My grandmother swears by Ayurvedic remedies, and it's about time these systems get the scientific validation and global recognition they deserve. Hope this leads to more research and better access for common people like us! 🌿
As a pharmacist, I have mixed feelings. While standardization is good, we must be cautious about commercial interests hijacking this. Already we see many so-called 'Ayurvedic' products making dubious claims. Proper coding and regulation can help, but only if enforcement is strict. Hope the authorities keep that in mind.
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