India Leads Global Push for Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine Ahead of WHO Summit

India reaffirmed its global leadership in promoting evidence-based traditional medicine as the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted an Ambassadors’ Reception in New Delhi on Monday. The event served as a precursor to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled from 17–19 December 2025 in New Delhi.

The high-level gathering brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomatic representatives from several countries to discuss the upcoming summit’s vision, global health relevance, and opportunities for multilateral cooperation in advancing traditional medicine.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, addressed the gathering, highlighting India’s commitment to integrating traditional wisdom with modern science.

“This Summit represents another milestone in our shared pursuit of equitable, accessible, and evidence-based healthcare systems across the world,” he said. “Working closely with WHO and the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, we aim to strengthen research, enhance quality and safety standards, and ensure that the benefits of traditional medicine are available to all.”

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, underscored the growing global consensus around holistic and integrative healthcare. Referring to the Summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing,” he said India is working with WHO and global partners to strengthen standards, advance research, and ensure equitable access to safe traditional medicine practices.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus, WHO South-East Asia Region, noted that traditional medicine is key to achieving ‘Health for All’, with 170 WHO Member States now reporting its use. “The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GTMC) in Jamnagar and the Traditional Medicine Global Library represent vital steps toward evidence-informed, people-centred healthcare,” she said.

Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized India’s pivotal role in shaping global frameworks for traditional medicine. “This gathering marks an important milestone in integrating time-tested healing traditions with contemporary scientific understanding,” he said, noting that India’s partnership with WHO is driving international standards, research, and safety validation.

Setting the stage for the December summit, Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, outlined the priorities guided by the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly. The summit, she said, will highlight innovations, scientific evidence, and policy pathways to advance traditional medicine worldwide.

Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, briefed delegates on the summit’s thematic tracks, key announcements, and international participation, while Dr. Catharina Boehme, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General, concluded the session by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to making traditional medicine central to global health systems.

“Traditional medicine is not peripheral to global health—it is integral to realizing the vision of Health for All,” Dr. Boehme stated.

The reception concluded with a call for strong international cooperation to make healthcare systems more accessible, affordable, and evidence-based. The Ministry of Ayush invited all diplomatic missions to facilitate high-level participation in the upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, underscoring India’s leadership in bridging traditional knowledge with modern science for global well-being.