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Key Points

The Ayush Secretary addressed the critical importance of scientifically validating traditional medicine at the World Health Assembly. He emphasized the need for integrating traditional and conventional medical systems to meet global healthcare challenges. India was highlighted as a global leader with a dedicated ministry for traditional medicine. The discussion marks a significant milestone in recognizing traditional healthcare's potential for comprehensive global health solutions.

Key Points: Ayush Secretary Validates Traditional Medicine at WHO Event

  • India leads global traditional medicine integration efforts
  • WHO announces second traditional medicine summit in 2025
  • Scientific validation crucial for traditional healthcare systems
2 min read

Scientific validation of traditional medicine crucial: Ayush Secretary

Vaidya Rajesh Kotech highlights scientific validation of traditional medicine at 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva

"Traditional Medicine must work in coherence with biomedicine - Vaidya Rajesh Kotech, Ayush Secretary"

New Delhi, May 24

The scientific validation of traditional medicine is crucial for its growth, said Vaidya Rajesh Kotech, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

Kotech said this while speaking at a side event of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Kotech underscored the urgent need for integration between basic sciences, conventional systems of medicine, and traditional systems of medicine.

The event, convened by the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine in Geneva, under the title "Traditional Medicine: From Traditional Heritage to Frontier Science, for 'Health for All," the event marked a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization's (WHO) first Traditional Medicine Programme.

It also heralded the next chapter in integrating Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into mainstream health systems.

"Traditional Medicine must work in coherence with biomedicine to meet evolving healthcare needs globally," the Secretary said in his opening address.

"Scientific validation of traditional medicine is poised to preserve and sustain this treasure," he added.

The session spotlighted the draft WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, which outlines four strategic objectives: establishing the evidence base for TCIM; regulating products and practices; integrating TCIM across health systems; and leveraging its broader developmental value.

These goals are supported by guiding principles rooted in health equity, Indigenous rights, sustainability, and science.

India, as the only country with a dedicated Ministry for Traditional Medicine, has reaffirmed its global leadership and commitment to the WHA.

"India has created a well-regulated ecosystem for Ayurveda and other codified traditional systems -- from pharmacovigilance and public health delivery to global pharmacopoeial standards," Kotech said.

He noted that a new platform -- Ayush Nivesh Sarthi -- will soon support international investment in the Ayush sector.

The WHO also announced the second global traditional medicine Summit, to be hosted in New Delhi in December 2025. It will be held under the theme "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is such a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 Our traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda have been healing people for centuries. Scientific validation will help the world recognize their value. My grandmother swears by Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments.
R
Rahul K.
While I appreciate our traditional knowledge, we must be careful about false claims. Some Ayurvedic products in the market make exaggerated promises. Proper scientific testing is absolutely necessary before recommending them as mainstream treatments.
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Ananya S.
Great initiative! But I hope they focus on standardizing quality across all Ayurvedic medicines. Some local shops sell substandard kadhas and churnas. If we want global acceptance, we need strict quality control like allopathic medicines have.
V
Vikram J.
Traditional medicine + modern science = perfect combination! 🎯 In villages, many people still rely on local healers because hospitals are far. Validated traditional remedies can bridge this healthcare gap. But please don't commercialize it so much that poor people can't afford.
S
Sneha P.
Hosting the global summit in Delhi is excellent! But I hope they also consult genuine vaidyas from rural areas, not just corporate Ayurveda companies. The real knowledge lies with those traditional practitioners who've been doing this for generations.
K
Karan D.
As someone who works in healthcare, I'm cautiously optimistic. We need evidence-based approaches - neither blind rejection nor blind acceptance of traditional medicine. The WHO strategy seems balanced. Hope the implementation matches the vision!

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