One year following the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, the nation takes the lead in hosting its inaugural global summit, with the aim of fostering international collaboration and integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems.
Inaugural Global Summit: Paving the Path for Collaboration
A milestone event in the realm of healthcare, the first Global Summit on Traditional Medicine has recently been hosted by India. This historic summit unfolded in conjunction with the ongoing G20 ministerial meeting of the health track, held in the vibrant city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, the summit serves as a remarkable platform to identify and facilitate areas of collaboration within the sphere of traditional medicine.
Traditional Medicine Unveiled
Traditional medicine, as outlined by the WHO, encompasses the wealth of knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in the cultural beliefs and experiences of diverse societies. These traditions encompass the holistic approach to maintaining health, preventing, diagnosing, improving, and treating physical and mental ailments. With a plethora of systems across the globe, the traditional medicine framework finds expression in numerous cultures, most notably in China, India, and Africa.
India’s Role: A Heritage of Healing
Recognized as a repository of medicinal plants, India’s forests shelter an array of valuable flora, comprising a significant resource for traditional medicine. Bolstered by the rich repository of herbal remedies codified within the AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Folk medicines, India is emerging as a powerhouse in the traditional medicine landscape.
Emerging AYUSH Sector: Growth and Potential
The AYUSH sector in India has been on an impressive trajectory, experiencing unprecedented growth in the production of AYUSH medicines, supplements, and cosmetics. In a mere six years, from 2014 to 2020, the sector’s worth burgeoned from over $3 billion to a staggering $18 billion, with projections anticipating a further rise to $24 billion by 2023. Furthermore, a network of 7,000 AYUSH-based health and wellness centers presently operates across India, opening avenues for investment, innovation, and expanded service offerings.
Pioneering Initiatives: Advancing Traditional Medicine
India’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine is underscored by a series of strategic steps and initiatives:
- National AYUSH Mission (NAM): Launched during the 12th Plan, NAM strives to bolster AYUSH medical systems by offering cost-effective services, fortifying educational infrastructure, and ensuring quality control of ASU & H (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy) drugs.
- Ministry of AYUSH: Established in 2014, the dedicated Ministry of AYUSH demonstrates India’s emphasis on traditional medicine’s vital role in healthcare.
- Innovative Measures: From the introduction of ‘AYUSH Aahar’ by the FSSAI for herbal nutritional supplements to the formation of the AYUSH Export Promotion Council, India is actively fostering research, exports, and innovation.
- AYUSH Parks and Incubation Centers: The creation of AYUSH Parks and an incubation center by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda speaks to India’s intent to catalyze research, development, and startup culture in traditional medicine.
WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) represents a pioneering knowledge hub for traditional medicine worldwide. India’s commitment to the center’s establishment, infrastructure, and operations is evidenced by its substantial investment of around $250 million.
Goals and Aspirations of GCTM
The GCTM’s strategic objectives encompass five key goals:
- Creation of a Traditional Knowledge Database: Leveraging technology to establish an extensive repository of traditional knowledge systems.
- Standardization of Traditional Medicines: Developing international standards for testing and certifying traditional medicines to enhance their credibility.
- Global Collaboration: Providing a platform for global experts in traditional medicine to exchange experiences and knowledge.
- Funding Research: Mobilizing resources to facilitate research in the realm of traditional medicine.
- Holistic Disease Treatment Protocols: Formulating protocols for holistic treatment approaches, merging traditional and modern medicine, to benefit patients.
Gandhinagar Declaration: Navigating the Future
The summit’s most significant outcome is the Gandhinagar Declaration, which endorses the establishment of a dedicated platform for traditional medicine under the G20 framework. This platform seeks to galvanize international cooperation, share best practices, and seamlessly integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How has India’s rich repository of medicinal plants contributed to its position in the traditional medicine landscape, and what are some key systems within India’s indigenous medical heritage?
- Discuss the growth trajectory of India’s AYUSH sector, highlighting its economic impact and potential areas of innovation.
- Elaborate on the strategic initiatives taken by India to promote traditional medicine, with a focus on the National AYUSH Mission and the Ministry of AYUSH.
- In what ways does the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine aim to advance the field of traditional medicine on a global scale, and how does its establishment reflect India’s commitment to this cause?
