WHO Global Summit Highlights India's Growing Influence in Traditional Medicine

The recent WHO Global Summit on traditional medicine, organized in collaboration with India's Ministry of Ayush, has marked a pivotal moment in the recognition of traditional healing practices on the global stage.

The summit, held in Gandhinagar, has set the stage for momentous advancements in the field, with the forthcoming Gujarat Declaration expected to underline the significance of Traditional Medicine in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through evidence-backed policies.

Expanding Reach of Traditional Medicine:

Union Minister of Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, affirmed the historical significance of the summit, disclosing that the World Health Organization (WHO) shared preliminary findings from the global survey on Traditional Medicine.

These findings, unveiled during the summit, signal a rising trend in the adoption of Traditional Medicine worldwide. The final comprehensive survey results, scheduled for release in November, are anticipated to shed further light on this phenomenon.

Gujarat Declaration and UHC Commitment:

The forthcoming Gujarat Declaration, a product of the summit, is expected to echo the global acknowledgment of Traditional Medicine's pivotal role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The declaration will emphasize WHO's commitment to fostering evidence-driven policies and providing vital support to member states in their pursuit of UHC through Traditional Medicine.

Global Survey Insights:

Addressing the escalating global acceptance of Traditional Medicine, Minister Sonowal referenced the initial insights from the recent WHO Global Survey on Traditional Medicine. The survey, deliberated upon by summit participants, showcased that out of WHO's 157-member states, 97 have established National Policies for Traditional Medicine, reaffirming the increasing prominence of these practices across diverse nations.

Exploring New Avenues:

Minister Sonowal delved into the emerging dimensions of Traditional Medicine, spotlighting the growing demand for digital health services on a global scale. He underscored the immense potential inherent in Traditional Medicine to offer evidence-based healthcare solutions to the global populace.

These novel avenues for Traditional Medicine's application were thoroughly discussed during the summit, and future strides are anticipated through the Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.

Here are a few additional thoughts on the News:

• The news mentions that the Gujarat Declaration will emphasize the importance of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage (UHC). This is a significant development, as UHC is a major goal of the WHO and many other global health organizations. Traditional medicine can play a valuable role in UHC by providing affordable and accessible healthcare to people in low- and middle-income countries.

• The news also mentions that digital health services are in demand globally. This is another area where traditional medicine can play a role. Digital health technologies can be used to improve the delivery of traditional medicine services, such as by providing access to educational resources and remote consultations.

• Overall, the news provides a positive outlook for the future of traditional medicine. With the support of organizations like the WHO and the Indian government, traditional medicine has the potential to make a significant contribution to global health.

Conclusion:

The WHO Global Summit, co-hosted by India's Ministry of Ayush, has propelled India into the forefront of the Traditional Medicine arena. With the imminent release of the Gujarat Declaration and the impending global survey results, Traditional Medicine's role in advancing Universal Health Coverage and its potential in the realm of digital health services stand primed for substantial growth, ensuring a healthier and more holistic approach to healthcare globally.