In October 2023, the Government of India proposed the inclusion of Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This initiative aims to standardise and globally recognise these ancient practices. By 2025, the WHO officially integrated a new module for traditional medicine conditions into the ICD, enhancing the visibility of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems.
Background of the ICD
The International Classification of Diseases is a global standard for health data. It categorises diseases, disorders, and health conditions. The ICD ensures interoperability of digital health records. It serves as important tool for health reporting and research.
Development of the Traditional Medicine Module
In January 2024, India launched the ICD-11 Traditional Medicine module. This initiative followed a year of testing and discussions. The WHO meeting in Malaysia in November 2024 finalised the module. The module is now accessible on the WHO’s ICD-11 Blue Browser.
Significance of Inclusion
The inclusion of traditional medicine in the ICD marks milestone. It ensures that Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are recognised alongside conventional medical practices. This formal categorisation supports evidence-based policymaking and enhances patient care.
Benefits for Health Systems
The new module facilitates dual coding for traditional and conventional medicine. It improves data collection and analysis. This approach promotes holistic healthcare strategies. It empowers policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.
Global Context of Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare, especially in regions like Asia and Africa. Many communities rely on indigenous practices. The WHO aims to regulate and integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare. This move responds to the growing demand for better regulation and standardisation.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its integration, the WHO does not endorse the scientific validity of traditional medicine practices. The Traditional Medicine Chapter aims to capture morbidity data rather than mortality. This distinction is crucial for assessing the impact and effectiveness of traditional medicine interventions.
Future Implications
The ICD-11 update sets the stage for future research and evaluation. It allows for systematic tracking of traditional medicine’s role in healthcare. Policymakers can assess the frequency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions. This evidence-based approach is essential for the integration of traditional medicine into health frameworks.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems and its implications for public health.
- What are the challenges faced by traditional medicine in gaining recognition within the global health framework? Discuss with examples.
- Explain the significance of the International Classification of Diseases in global health reporting and its impact on health policies.
- With suitable examples, comment on the integration of traditional medicine into national health strategies and its potential benefits.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems and its implications for public health.
- Traditional medicine offers holistic approaches that complement modern medical practices.
- Systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are widely used, especially in Asia and Africa.
- They address public health issues by providing accessible and culturally relevant healthcare options.
- Integration can lead to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction through personalized care.
- Evidence-based policymaking is enhanced by incorporating traditional medicine data into health systems.
2. What are the challenges faced by traditional medicine in gaining recognition within the global health framework? Discuss with examples.
- Lack of standardized documentation and reporting on traditional medicine practices hampers recognition.
- Scientific validation of efficacy is often questioned, leading to skepticism in mainstream healthcare.
- Regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine vary widely across countries, complicating integration.
- Examples include resistance in Western countries to accept practices without rigorous clinical trials.
- Traditional medicine may be seen as alternative rather than complementary, limiting its acceptance.
3. Explain the significance of the International Classification of Diseases in global health reporting and its impact on health policies.
- The ICD provides a standardized framework for recording and reporting health conditions globally.
- It ensures interoperability of health data, facilitating better health information systems.
- Inclusion of traditional medicine in the ICD recognizes its role in global health, influencing policy decisions.
- Health policies can be informed by accurate data on the prevalence and effectiveness of various treatments.
- The ICD supports evidence-based approaches, enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery worldwide.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the integration of traditional medicine into national health strategies and its potential benefits.
- Countries like India and China have successfully integrated traditional medicine into their health systems.
- Example – India’s AYUSH system promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, and other traditional practices alongside modern medicine.
- Integration can lead to cost-effective healthcare solutions, especially in underserved areas.
- It enhances patient choice and satisfaction by providing diverse treatment options.
- Potential benefits include improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and preservation of cultural heritage.
