Global Shift Towards Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine

The year 2025 marks milestone in the global recognition of traditional medicine. With the upcoming Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, the world is embracing a balanced approach to health that integrates ancient wisdom with modern science. This shift reflects a growing understanding that well-being depends on harmony between the body, mind, environment, and society.

Traditional Medicine – A Global Health Resource

Traditional medicine is used by around 90% of World Health Organisation (WHO) member states. It remains the primary healthcare source for billions, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond treating illness, traditional systems promote balance and holistic well-being. They contribute to biodiversity, nutrition, food security, and livelihoods, embodying integrative health principles.

India’s Role in Innovation and Standardisation

India is a global leader in traditional medicine research and development. It hosts the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The GTMC focuses on evidence-based collaboration, sustainability, and equity. India’s initiatives include an AYUSH department within the Bureau of Indian Standards and participation in ISO committees to develop global standards for traditional medicine.

WHO Global Summits and Political Commitment

The first WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2023, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, mobilised political will and scientific collaboration. The Gujarat Declaration emphasised biodiversity protection, fair benefit-sharing, digital innovation, and equitable access to traditional knowledge. The upcoming 2025 summit will advance WHO’s 10-year Global Traditional Medicine Strategy (2025–34), promoting integration into national health systems.

Integrating Tradition with Modern Science

Traditional medicine is increasingly recognised as a scientific and social asset. India’s heritage includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa. The country demonstrates how traditional knowledge can coexist with modern research and technology. Integration efforts unite community participation, ethics, and sustainability with innovation and evidence-based practice.

Health and Sustainability – A Balanced Ecosystem

The global movement marks that health is not just absence of disease but a state of equilibrium. It calls for balance between mind and body, humans and environment, science and spirit. This ecosystem approach supports proactive, personalised healthcare rather than reactive treatment. It also aligns health with ecological and social sustainability goals.

Future Directions and Global Collaboration

The Memorandum of About between WHO and India for the 2025 summit signals strengthened global cooperation. The summit theme, Restoring balance – The science and practice of health and well-being, aims to mobilise multi-stakeholder action. It seeks to deepen scientific understanding, encourage innovation, and promote ethical use of traditional medicine worldwide.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries with suitable examples.
2. Explain the significance of standardisation and regulation in the global acceptance of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani.
3. What are the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems? Discuss with reference to India’s AYUSH sector.
4. Comment on the importance of biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing in the sustainable development of traditional medicine globally.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries with suitable examples.

1. Traditional medicine is the primary healthcare source for billions, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to accessibility and affordability.
2. It offers holistic care focusing on prevention, balance, and well-being, complementing modern medicine’s reactive approach.
3. WHO reports around 90% of member states use traditional medicine, indicating widespread reliance and acceptance.
4. Examples – India’s AYUSH systems serve rural populations where modern facilities are limited; African nations use herbal medicine extensively.
5. Supports health equity by reaching marginalized communities and reducing healthcare costs.
6. Challenges include lack of integration, quality control, and evidence-based validation, which need addressing for universal coverage.

2. Explain the significance of standardisation and regulation in the global acceptance of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani.

1. Standardisation ensures quality, safety, efficacy, and consistency of traditional medicine products and practices.
2. Regulatory frameworks build consumer trust and facilitate wider adoption in formal healthcare systems worldwide.
3. India’s AYUSH department at BIS and ISO/TC 249/SC 2 subcommittee develop global standards, enabling international trade and recognition.
4. Regulation prevents adulteration, misuse, and adverse effects, protecting public health.
5. Facilitates evidence-based research, integration into national health policies, and insurance coverage.
6. Promotes intellectual property rights protection and fair benefit-sharing with indigenous communities.

3. What are the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems? Discuss with reference to India’s AYUSH sector.

1. Challenges – Scientific validation gaps, lack of standardized protocols, regulatory hurdles, and skepticism among allopathic practitioners.
2. Opportunities – India’s AYUSH sector valued at $43.4 billion, reflecting growing consumer preference and market potential.
3. Integration promotes holistic, preventive, and personalised healthcare models, improving patient outcomes.
4. Government initiatives – WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar; evidence-based research and innovation focus.
5. Community participation and ethical frameworks strengthen trust and sustainability.
6. Collaborative summits (e.g., WHO Global Summit 2023) encourage political commitment and multisectoral action.

4. Comment on the importance of biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing in the sustainable development of traditional medicine globally.

1. Biodiversity provides the essential raw materials (medicinal plants, herbs) for traditional medicine formulations.
2. Overexploitation risks depletion, threatening both ecological balance and traditional healthcare systems.
3. Conservation ensures long-term availability, supports food security, and maintains ecosystem services.
4. Benefit-sharing with indigenous communities respects their knowledge, promotes equity, and incentivises sustainable use.
5. The Gujarat Declaration (2023) emphasises fair benefit-sharing, digital innovation, and equitable access to traditional knowledge.
6. Sustainable development aligns traditional medicine with global environmental goals and ethical standards.