At the launch event, Dr Tedros acknowledged India’s efforts to improve universal health coverage through the overall Ayushman Bharat initiative. His visit to the Health and Welfare Center the previous day helped him observe the expansion of primary health care across the country.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, revealed India’s rich history of traditional medicine while inaugurating the first WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 17 August.
“India has a rich history of traditional medicine through Ayurveda, including yoga, which has been shown to be effective in relieving pain,” said Dr Tedros. He added that the summit will help unlock the potential of ancient traditional medicine and promote their understanding and use in modern times. He further called on all countries to commit to integrating traditional medicines into their national health systems.
At the launch event, Dr Tedros acknowledged India’s efforts to improve universal health coverage through the overall Ayushman Bharat initiative. His visit to the Health and Welfare Center the previous day helped him observe the expansion of primary health care across the country. He also highlighted the adoption of telemedicine in India, a practice that not only expands the reach of healthcare services but also promotes time and cost savings for patients.
In addition, Dr. Ghebreyesus also emphasized how the origins of many modern medicines can be traced back to communities using willow bark and holly, the basis of traditional medicinal methods such as aspirin and cancer drugs.
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who also addressed the inaugural function, said that this global summit can be a platform to mobilize political commitment and evidence-based action in the field of traditional medicine. He added: “I believe this global summit provides us with a unique opportunity to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, foster collaboration and build international partnerships to advance the agenda of traditional and complementary medicine.”
The minister also noted, “Traditional Medicine (TM) is in high demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More than 170 states around the world use TM. This summit is an ideal platform for exchange of ideas and international cooperation to promote best practices.
At the WHO International Center for Traditional Medicine, based in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Dr. Mandaviya said, “This center is a center of knowledge that combines ancient wisdom with modern science for the betterment of people and the planet. Complementing the core functions of WHO, the center will accelerate the advancement of traditional medicine worldwide, in his speech he also discussed how the modern demand for natural and herbal medicines and cosmetics highlights the continuing importance of traditional healing practices.
What is on the agenda for the summit?
Two-day summit 17-18. August, whose theme is “To the health and well-being of all”, is 17-18. A joint event of the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. August 19th.
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