In a pioneering endeavor, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush are gearing up to host the first-ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. Scheduled for August 17-18, 2023, the event will unfold in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, positioning India at the forefront of advancing traditional medicine practices and forging a path towards holistic healthcare.
Convergence of Expertise
This landmark summit aims to harness India’s vast reservoir of knowledge and expertise in traditional medicine. By serving as a platform for experts and practitioners, the event seeks to explore cutting-edge scientific advancements and evidence-based insights in the sector. The ultimate aspiration is to ensure health and well-being for all through the integration of traditional medical wisdom into contemporary healthcare systems.
The summit will witness the esteemed Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, inaugurating the event. This auspicious occasion will also be graced by the presence of Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health, and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ayush. The event is expected to draw participation from G20 health Ministers, Regional Directors of WHO, prominent dignitaries from across the six regions of WHO, traditional medicine practitioners, health workers, and civil society representatives.
Traditional Medicine
Union Minister of State for Ayush, shared insights during a press conference. He highlighted that the summit’s outcome will be a declaration that contributes to shaping the future of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. The event’s significance resonates deeply, especially following the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar the previous year.
India’s Unique Blend of Traditional and Modern
India is stride towards harmonizing traditional practices with contemporary approaches, propelled by visionary policies and digital initiatives. This amalgamation positions India as a trailblazer, showcasing how traditional medicine can pave the way for universal health coverage, highlighting the nation’s multi-dimensional progress.
Key Focus Areas
Distinguished speakers will steer discussions across critical domains, including research, evidence, and learning; policy, data, and regulation; innovation and digital health; as well as biodiversity, equity, and traditional healthcare knowledge. These deliberations are poised to unearth insights that bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary healthcare demands.
Tradition and Biodiversity
The summit will also showcase an exhibition featuring traditional medicine systems from around the world, offering an immersive glimpse into the interconnectedness between traditional medicine and the natural environment. The Ministry of Ayush will join hands with WHO regional centers to spotlight scientific and technological advancements, emphasizing the theme “Ayush for Planetary Health & Wellbeing.”
Way forward
The Ministry of Ayush will organize yoga and meditation sessions at the Convention Centre, fostering a serene atmosphere for introspection and holistic well-being. The summit serves as a testament to the efforts invested in the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, a collaborative endeavor between India’s Ministry of Ayush and WHO. The center is poised to lead global health efforts related to traditional medicine, facilitating policy development, research, and public health initiatives.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How does India’s hosting of the Global Summit on Traditional Medicine position the nation as a leader in the field of healthcare innovation and integration?
- Analyze the potential impact of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine on shaping policies and practices in the field of traditional medicine worldwide.
- Explore the significance of incorporating both traditional practices and modern advancements in India’s pursuit of universal health coverage through traditional medicine systems.
