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On July 31, 2024, a pivotal agreement was signed at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva, marking a significant milestone in the global promotion of traditional medicine. The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the WHO signed a Donor Agreement to establish the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This analysis delves into the details of this agreement, its implications, and the broader context of traditional medicine in global health.

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[Source: PIB]

<h2 id="content-id-122509-0">Key Signatories and Attendees</h2>

High-Ranking Officials Present

The signing ceremony saw the participation of several high-ranking officials, reflecting the importance of this agreement:

1. H.E. Mr. Arindam Bagchi: Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Geneva, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Ayush.

2. Dr. Bruce Aylward: Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, signed on behalf of WHO.

3. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha: Secretary of Ayush, joined the event virtually, underlining the significance of the collaboration.

4. Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla: Director a.i. of WHO GTMC, moderated the event, ensuring the proceedings ran smoothly.

5. Dr. Razia Pendse: Chef de Cabinet, representing the Director-General of WHO, delivered the vote of thanks.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-1"> </h2>

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[Source: PIB]

Donation Details

The Government of India has committed a substantial financial donation to support the operations of the WHO GTMC:

1. Amount: US$ 85 million

2. Duration: 10 years (2022-2032)

3. Purpose: To support the operations of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

This financial commitment is part of a larger US$ 250 million investment from India to establish the WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in 2022. This includes financial support for the Centre's work plan, interim premises, and a new building.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-2">Significance of the Agreement</h2>

1. Establishing a Knowledge Hub

The collaboration recognizes the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre as a key knowledge hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). The centre aims to advance the health and well-being of both people and the planet through traditional medicine practices.

2. Background and Previous Agreements

a. Host Country Agreement

The Host Country Agreement, signed on March 25, 2022, between the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and WHO, marked the establishment of the WHO GTMC in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This agreement signified the creation of the first and only global out-posted Centre for traditional medicine worldwide.

b. Union Cabinet Approval

The Host Country Agreement was signed with the approval of the Union Cabinet, highlighting the Indian government’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine on a global scale.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-3">Current Operations and Future Plans</h2>

1. Interim Office Operations

The interim office of the WHO-GTMC is already operational, focusing on developing capacity-building and training programs aligned with its objectives. These programs will include campus-based programs, residential courses, and web-based training, developed in partnership with the WHO Academy and other strategic partners.

2. Training Programs

The centre plans to offer various training programs to enhance the capacity of traditional medicine practitioners. These programs will be designed to cater to different learning preferences and needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to training.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-4">Collaborative Efforts between Ministry of Ayush and WHO</h2>

1. Development of Benchmark Documents

The Ministry of Ayush has been collaborating with WHO on multiple fronts to promote traditional medicine. One of the significant collaborative efforts includes the development of benchmark documents for training and practice in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems.

2. Creation of WHO Terminology for Traditional Medicine Practices

The collaboration has also led to the creation of WHO terminology for traditional medicine practices, ensuring standardized language and understanding across different regions and practices.

3. Introduction of a Second Module in the Traditional Medicine Chapter of the International Classification of Diseases-11

Another notable achievement is the introduction of a second module in the Traditional Medicine Chapter of the International Classification of Diseases-11. This module aims to integrate traditional medicine into the global health system more effectively.

4. Development of Apps like M-Yoga

The development of apps like M-Yoga is another example of the innovative approaches being taken to promote traditional medicine. These apps aim to make traditional practices more accessible to a global audience.

5. Support for the International Pharmacopoeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM)

The Ministry of Ayush has also supported the International Pharmacopoeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM), ensuring the standardization and quality of herbal medicines.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-5">Global Impact and Future Prospects</h2>

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[Source: PIB]

1. Benefiting India’s Traditional Medicine Sector

The joint efforts of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and WHO are expected to have far-reaching effects, benefiting India’s traditional medicine sector by positioning it on the global stage.

2. Contributing to the Global Health Agenda

These efforts will also contribute to the global health agenda, reinforcing the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Traditional Medicine.

3. Reinforcing Commitment to SDGs

The collaboration highlights the importance of traditional medicine in achieving the SDGs, particularly in areas related to health and well-being.

4. Worldwide Use of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine is used by billions of people worldwide for their health and well-being. The WHO-India donor agreement and India’s 10-year financial contribution will support a cross-sectoral program of work to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine by providing data and evidence on traditional medicine policies, practices, products, and public use.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-6">Strategic Importance of the Agreement</h2>

1. WHO-India Donor Agreement

The WHO-India donor agreement is part of a US$ 250 million investment from India in support of the establishment of the WHO Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in 2022. This includes financial support for the work plan of the Centre, interim premises, and a new building.

2. Scaling Up WHO’s Capacities on Traditional Medicine

This support will scale up WHO’s capacities on traditional medicine across technical divisions and regions, promoting global collaboration and solidarity.

3. Inclusion in WHO’s Investment Round

Part of this substantial contribution from the Government of India will also be included in WHO’s Investment Round to resource WHO’s core work during 2025–2028.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-7">Statements from Key Officials</h2>

1. Dr. Bruce Aylward’s Statement

Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage and Life Course division of WHO, emphasized the importance of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage. He stated, “Traditional medicine, supported within national health systems, can allow us to reach those most often left behind. Integration of traditional practice and knowledge is critical to achieving health for all.”

2. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha’s Statement

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, highlighted the shared vision for the development of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar. He said, “The signing of this donor agreement is a major milestone towards achieving the shared vision of Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and WHO Director-General Tedros for the development of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar in India.”

3. Ambassador Arindam Bagchi’s Statement

Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, reiterated India’s commitment to supporting WHO in strengthening traditional medicine systems globally. He said, “India remains committed to supporting WHO in its work to strengthen traditional medicine systems globally for achieving universal health coverage and serving the entire humanity, especially through this Global Centre in Jamnagar, which would help focus these efforts to benefit all Member States.”

<h2 id="content-id-122509-8">WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre: Key Areas of Focus</h2>

1. Research and Evidence

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre will serve as a knowledge hub focusing on research and evidence. This includes collecting and analyzing data to support the integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.

2. Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage

The centre will also focus on primary health care and universal health coverage, ensuring that traditional medicine practices are accessible and integrated into broader health care systems.

3. Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity

Another key area of focus is indigenous knowledge and biodiversity. The centre will work to preserve and promote traditional knowledge and practices, recognizing their value in maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable health practices.

4. Digital Health Applications

The integration of digital health applications is another important aspect of the centre’s work. This includes developing and implementing digital tools to support traditional medicine practices and improve access to these practices globally.

5. Biennial WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and Collaborations

The centre will host the biennial WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, bringing together stakeholders from around the world to discuss and promote traditional medicine. The first summit was held in August 2023 in Gujarat, resulting in the Gujarat Declaration, a multistakeholder action agenda.

<h2 id="content-id-122509-9">Future Plans and Prospects</h2>

1. Upcoming WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit

The next WHO Global Summit is planned for November 2025, following up on the anticipated launch of the 2025–2034 Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025.

2. India’s Long-standing Partnerships with WHO

India’s support for traditional medicine has been expressed through a variety of long-standing partnerships with WHO. In 2023, India signed a five-year agreement to support the technical work of WHO’s Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCI) unit.

3. Development of Key Benchmark Documents

The TCI unit is responsible for developing key benchmark documents, standardized terminologies, and other evidence-informed technical products to enhance the acceptability and credibility of traditional medicine systems.

4. Collaboration with WHO Technical Expert Network

The WHO GTMC and TCI collaborate closely with teams across WHO to advance WHO’s multisectoral agenda on traditional medicine. This includes regular meetings of the WHO Technical Expert Network to promote a One WHO approach on traditional medicine across headquarters, regional, and country offices.

The signing of the Donor Agreement between the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the WHO marks a significant step in promoting traditional medicine on a global scale. The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, reflects the shared vision of the Indian government and WHO to integrate traditional medicine into global health systems. Through substantial financial contributions and collaborative efforts, this agreement aims to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine, promote its integration into national health systems, and contribute to the global health agenda. The establishment and ongoing support of the WHO GTMC highlight the importance of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, benefiting both India and the global community.

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