In a significant stride toward integrating ancient healing practices with modern clinical science, the Government of India has committed a substantial US$ 85 million over the next decade (2022–2032) to support the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. This financial pledge, finalized during a high-level signing ceremony in Geneva, marks a pivotal moment in the global effort to harmonize traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCI) within national health systems.
As billions of people worldwide rely on traditional medicine for their primary health and well-being, the initiative aims to build a robust, evidence-based foundation for these practices, ensuring they are safe, effective, and accessible to all.
The Core Financial Commitment and Strategic Vision
The US$ 85 million allocation is not an isolated contribution but part of a broader, long-term strategic investment. In 2022, India committed a total of US$ 250 million to the establishment and operation of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This comprehensive investment covers the centre’s workplan, the development of interim premises, and the construction of a state-of-the-art permanent facility.
A key feature of this funding is its integration into the World Health Organization’s (WHO) broader resource mobilization strategy. A portion of the contribution will be funneled into the WHO’s Investment Round for 2025–2028, effectively resourcing the organization’s core operations and its global health agenda. By scaling up the WHO’s technical capacity, this partnership fosters a "One WHO" approach, encouraging collaboration across different technical divisions and regional offices to ensure that traditional medicine is no longer a peripheral concern, but a core component of the global health discourse.
Chronology: A Roadmap of Global Integration
The journey toward the institutionalization of traditional medicine at the global level has been marked by a series of deliberate, high-impact milestones:
- 2022: The official establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India, signaling a paradigm shift in how the UN body views non-conventional health practices.
- 2023: The inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in Gujarat. This event culminated in the Gujarat Declaration, a landmark document that provides a multi-stakeholder action agenda for the future of the field.
- 2023: India and the WHO sign a five-year agreement to bolster the technical capacity of the Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCI) unit.
- 2025 (Upcoming): The 78th World Health Assembly is expected to witness the launch of the Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine (2025–2034), a roadmap for the next decade.
- November 2025: The second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit is scheduled to take place, building on the progress of the 2023 declaration and the newly launched global strategy.
The Knowledge Hub: Five Pillars of Research and Practice
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, led by Director a.i. Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, functions as a sophisticated knowledge hub. Its operations are organized into five interconnected pillars, designed to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern rigorous scientific standards:
- Research and Evidence: The primary objective is to generate high-quality data regarding the efficacy and safety of traditional medicine products and practices.
- Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Integrating traditional practitioners into the primary healthcare delivery system to ensure that vulnerable populations, who often have limited access to modern medicine, are not left behind.
- Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity: Protecting the intellectual property and heritage of traditional healers while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
- Digital Health Applications: Utilizing artificial intelligence and data analytics to standardize the documentation of traditional practices and track their clinical outcomes.
- Global Summits and Collaboration: Serving as the central node for international dialogues, such as the biennial summits, which foster cross-border learning and policy harmonization.
Official Perspectives: Aligning Global and National Priorities
The collaboration between the Indian government and the WHO has received strong endorsement from leadership on both sides.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage and Life Course division at the WHO, emphasized the timeliness of the initiative. "India’s commitment and leadership in expanding the evidence-based contribution of traditional medicine to the health and well-being of all people and the planet comes at an opportune moment," Dr. Aylward stated. He noted that traditional medicine, when properly integrated into national systems, acts as a crucial tool to reach the "last mile" of patients, particularly in low-resource settings.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the synergy between the two entities. "The signing of this donor agreement is a major milestone towards achieving the shared vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and WHO Director-General Tedros for the development of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre," he remarked.
Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, reaffirmed India’s long-term commitment. "India remains dedicated to supporting the WHO in its work to strengthen traditional medicine systems globally. By focusing these efforts in Jamnagar, we are creating a resource that will benefit all Member States, ultimately serving all of humanity," he said.
Implications for Global Health and Universal Health Coverage
The implications of this partnership are far-reaching. By providing the financial and intellectual resources necessary to standardize traditional medicine, the WHO and the Indian government are addressing one of the most persistent gaps in global health: the divide between formalized medical systems and the community-based practices that billions use daily.
Strengthening Evidence-Based Policy
One of the most critical aspects of the agreement is the focus on "evidence-based contribution." For decades, traditional medicine has been criticized for a lack of standardized clinical trials and outcome data. The funding will support the creation of benchmarks, standardized terminologies, and technical products. This will empower national governments to integrate these practices into their health policies with confidence, knowing they are backed by international standards.
Promoting Equity in Healthcare
The integration of traditional medicine into national health systems is a vital step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In many parts of the world, particularly in the Global South, traditional healers are the first point of contact for patients. By providing these healers with better training, data, and institutional support, the healthcare system becomes more inclusive and responsive to the cultural and economic realities of the populations it serves.
A One-WHO Approach
The collaboration between the Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the TCI unit represents a broader shift within the WHO towards a "One WHO" approach. By breaking down silos between the headquarters, regional, and country offices, the organization is ensuring that technical guidance on traditional medicine is consistent, actionable, and effectively disseminated across all 194 Member States.
Conclusion: Looking Toward 2034
As the world prepares for the launch of the Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine (2025–2034) at the 78th World Health Assembly in 2025, the partnership between India and the WHO serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration.
By investing in the scientific verification of ancient practices, this initiative is not merely about preserving the past; it is about future-proofing healthcare. As the Jamnagar Centre continues to evolve into a premier global institution, its work will be instrumental in creating a more holistic, resilient, and inclusive global health architecture. For the millions who look to traditional medicine for their primary health needs, the next decade promises a new era of safety, efficacy, and global recognition.
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