India Leads Global Traditional Medicine Summit: Why This Movement Matters

India is set to co-host a major global summit on traditional medicine with the World Health Organization. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav expressed pride in leading this international movement. The event will focus on integrating traditional healing practices with modern healthcare systems. This summit represents a significant step in gaining worldwide recognition for India's ancient medical wisdom.

Key Points: India Co-Hosts WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

  • India to co-host the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi this December
  • The summit theme focuses on restoring balance for people and the planet
  • Event will deliberate on scientific validation and digital health integration
  • Over 100 countries expected to participate in the global gathering
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India proud to lead global movement to advance traditional medicine: Prataprao Jadhav

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav announces India will co-host the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, highlighting global trust in Ayush systems.

"India is proud to co-host the second edition of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine following the remarkable success of the first Summit hosted by India in 2023. – Prataprao Jadhav"

New Delhi, Dec 8

India is proud to lead global movement to advance traditional medicine, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, on Monday, even as the country is set to co-host the second edition of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.

Speaking at a curtain raiser event in the national capital, Jadhav announced that the event will be held from December 17-19 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on the theme “Restoring balance for people and planet: The science and practice of well-being”.

"India is proud to co-host the second edition of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine following the remarkable success of the first Summit hosted by India in 2023,” Jadhav said.

Jadhav added that the continued global trust in India’s Ayush systems is evident from the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.

“India’s rich heritage of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy has played a pivotal role in holistic healthcare for centuries and is increasingly recognised worldwide as an effective integrative health approach,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that traditional medicine is a vital pillar in achieving Universal Health Coverage, building resilient health systems, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that the Global Summit is being organised in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) under the agreement signed in September 2025. It is also aligned with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034 adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly.

The Summit, with an expected participation from over 100 countries, will deliberate on scientific validation and innovation in traditional medicine, strengthening digital health and global data systems, integrating traditional medicine into public health and wellness programmes, ensuring equitable access, promoting sustainable practices, conserving biodiversity, supporting responsible industry growth, addressing intellectual property issues, and exploring emerging applications such as artificial intelligence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the initiative, I hope this summit focuses on rigorous scientific validation. We need more evidence-based research to integrate traditional medicine with modern healthcare properly. It's great for wellness, but serious illnesses need proven treatments.
R
Rohit P
My nani's home remedies were always the first line of defense growing up. Glad to see this knowledge, passed down for generations, is now on a world stage. Hope they discuss making these treatments more affordable and accessible to common people in India too.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, adopting Yoga and mindful eating (inspired by Ayurvedic principles) completely changed my life. Stress management is so crucial. It's fantastic that India is leading this conversation on holistic well-being for the planet.
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Vikram M
The focus on biodiversity conservation is key. Many traditional medicines rely on specific herbs and plants. If we commercialize without protecting the source, we'll lose the very knowledge we're trying to promote. Sustainable practice is a must.
K
Karthik V
Hope this leads to more standardized education and regulation for Ayush practitioners. There are many good ones, but also some quacks. Global standards will help build trust and ensure quality care for everyone seeking traditional treatment.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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