New Delhi, January 10 – The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases 11 (ICD-11) has incorporated data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems, providing a significant boost to traditional medicine. In a move aimed at integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, the Ministry of AYUSH launched a module for nationwide integration.
The module, known as the ICD11 traditional medicine module, includes Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that it provides a common framework for diagnosing and treating diseases in these traditional systems as well as allopathic medicine.
The incorporation of traditional medicine into the ICD-11 classification will allow for a standardized method of communication between practitioners of different medical systems. This will facilitate better coordination and exchange of information, ultimately improving the patient healthcare system.
Furthermore, the inclusion of traditional medical terminology in the ICD-11 will enable the documentation and analysis of large-scale patient data, providing valuable evidence for research and development in traditional medicine. The standardized diagnostic codes will be integrated into all electronic health record systems nationwide, ensuring uniformity in the healthcare delivery system.
The collaboration between the Ministry of AYUSH and the WHO in developing this module has been a long-term effort, culminating in the launch of the traditional medicine module. The module will not only strengthen India’s healthcare system but also pave the way for future strategies to control various diseases in society.
The significance of this development was emphasized by Robert Jakob, Team Lead of the Classifications and Terminologies Unit at WHO, who stated that the ICD-11 serves to improve the health of everybody. By including traditional medical terminologies in a global standard, the link between traditional medicine and modern healthcare systems is strengthened.
The integration of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani data into the ICD-11 is a milestone in building a unified global tradition in traditional medicine. The WHO and the Ministry of AYUSH are working together to further strengthen India’s routine health system and promote the recognition and acceptance of traditional medicine worldwide.
Representatives from various member countries of the WHO, including Brazil, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, and Britain, shared their experiences regarding the current status of traditional medicine in their respective countries. This exchange of knowledge and expertise will contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of traditional medicine.
The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of AYUSH, WHO, and various research institutes. The collaborative efforts between different stakeholders in the healthcare sector reflect the commitment to integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems and leveraging its potential for improving population health.
The integration of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani data into the ICD-11 not only provides a standardized classification system but also signifies a growing recognition and acceptance of traditional medicine on a global scale. With this development, traditional medicine is poised to play an even more significant role in providing holistic and comprehensive healthcare solutions.
