Gujarat Minister reviews progress of Global Traditional Medicine Centre
Jamnagar, July 30
Construction of the World Health Organization's Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is progressing, with the Rs 269.73 crore project expected to establish the city as an international hub for research into traditional medicine systems from around the world.
State Forest and Environment Minister, as well as Jamnagar district in-charge minister, Arjun Modhwadia, reviewed the progress of the under-construction facility during a visit to the site near Gordhanpar on Thursday.
He also chaired a review meeting with officials and directed them to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining quality standards.
The GTMC, being developed by the WHO with the approval of the Centre's Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, will be the organisation's only outpost centre dedicated to traditional medicine.
The facility is intended to support research and academic work on more than 100 traditional medicine systems practised across the world.
Spread over approximately 20 acres, the centre will include a modern administrative complex, a Traditional Medicine Global Library, an Experience Zone and an exhibition gallery showcasing traditional medicine systems from different countries.
The campus will also house three ultra-modern auditoriums, staff accommodation, a children's day-care centre, extensive parking facilities, a solar power system, a sewage treatment plant and a high-security CCTV network.
Officials informed the minister that construction is underway for the administrative block, residential facilities and a sub-station building covering about 26,130 square metres.
Landscaping has also been planned across approximately 26,500 square metres, where a wide variety of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plants and trees will be cultivated.
During the inspection, Modhwadia reviewed the progress of the various components of the project and issued necessary instructions to the officials concerned regarding the ongoing works.
According to the project details, the centre will accommodate experts, researchers and other professionals from different parts of the world.
It is expected to attract doctors and scientists engaged in research on traditional medicine systems, making Jamnagar a focal point for international collaboration in the field once the facility becomes operational.
ITRA Director Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari briefed the minister on the project and conducted a detailed tour of the campus.
WHO-GTMC officials, Jamnagar Municipal Commissioner Dipesh Kedia, District Development Officer Nisha, Additional District Magistrate Vimal Chaudhary, Rural Sub-Divisional Officer Brijesh Kalaria and officials from the concerned departments were present during the review.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very interesting initiative. As a researcher in integrative medicine, I'm excited to see how WHO is supporting traditional knowledge alongside modern science. The landscaping with Ayurvedic medicinal plants is a great touch - it's important to preserve these species. Let's hope the collaboration produces tangible results.
Amazing development! But I hope the Rs 269.73 crore is being used wisely and the project doesn't get delayed. We often see big infrastructure projects getting stuck in red tape. The solar power system and sewage treatment plant are thoughtful additions - shows they're thinking about sustainability. Just want to see quality and timeline both maintained.
I'm curious about how they plan to standardize research methods across 100+ different traditional medicine systems. Each has its own epistemology and validation protocols. The inclusion of an Experience Zone sounds innovative - experiential learning can bridge cultural gaps. This could be a game-changer if executed properly. Will be following this closely.
So happy to see Jamnagar getting global recognition! My grandmother used to take me to the Ayurvedic gardens near here. The fact that they're cultivating Indian medicinal plants on site is wonderful - it's like preserving our heritage. Also, having a day-care centre for researchers shows they're thinking about families. 👏
Good news but let's be real - we need to ensure this isn't just another building that looks good on paper. The real test will be whether they can attract top researchers and produce peer-reviewed studies. The AYUSH ministry has had mixed results in the past. Hope the WHO involvement brings rigorous scientific standards. Still, it's a step
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