Recent developments have seen the World Health Organization (WHO) release a technical brief titled “Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine”. This acknowledges India’s pioneering role in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, especially those under the Ayush umbrella. The brief follows a proposal by India and marks WHO’s first roadmap for applying AI in traditional medicine. This step marks India’s growing influence in global healthcare innovation.
India’s Vision for AI in Traditional Medicine
India aims to lead in digital health innovation by combining AI with traditional medicine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised “AI for all” to promote social development and inclusive growth. The government supports policies and programmes to harness AI’s potential in strengthening Ayush systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
AI Applications in Ayush Systems
AI is used to enhance diagnosis and treatment in traditional medicine. Tools integrate traditional diagnostic methods like pulse reading and tongue examination with machine learning and neural networks. AI supports personalised health by analysing Ayurvedic constitution types (Prakriti). This approach improves accuracy and accessibility of traditional healthcare.
Ayurgenomics and Genomic Research
A major innovation is Ayurgenomics, which combines genomics with Ayurvedic principles. It identifies predictive disease markers and offers personalised health advice. AI analyses genetic data alongside Ayurvedic types. Research also explores the molecular basis of herbal formulations to repurpose them for modern diseases, bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary science.
Digitisation and Knowledge Preservation
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a global model for preserving indigenous medical heritage. AI tools catalogue and analyse ancient texts, making therapeutic knowledge more accessible. This digitisation safeguards traditional knowledge and promotes responsible use worldwide.
Validation and Modernisation of Traditional Medicine
AI helps identify drug action pathways and compares different traditional systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani. Artificial chemical sensors assess traditional parameters such as Rasa, Guna, and Virya. These efforts validate traditional formulations and support their integration into modern healthcare.
Digital Platforms and Global Collaboration
India promotes digital literacy among Ayush practitioners and develops interoperable systems for integrating traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare. Online consultation platforms expand access to traditional treatments. The Ministry of Ayush views WHO’s recognition as endorsement of India’s leadership and commitment to global collaboration in AI and traditional medicine.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Unani in India.
- Examine the significance of digitisation initiatives such as the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library in preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting global healthcare.
- With suitable examples, discuss how genomic research and AI integration can personalise healthcare and improve disease prediction in traditional medical systems.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare systems in the digital age.
