India and the World Health Organization (WHO) are collaborating to establish the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat. The centre aims to improve global health outcomes by merging traditional medicine with modern science. The Indian government has invested USD 250 million in the project, which will be based in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Approximately 80% of the world’s population utilizes traditional medicine in some form. As such, 170 WHO Member States have requested WHO’s support to develop an evidence base and data on traditional medicine practices and products.
Traditional medicine comprises an extensive range of knowledge and practices rooted in various cultures throughout history. The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine will address the lack of integration of traditional medicine into national health systems and strategies. The centre aims to strengthen the evidence base, integrate traditional medicine into health systems, and promote sustainability and equity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the centre on 19 April 2022, remarking that the world is seeking new dimensions of healthcare delivery. He noted that the WHO’s promotion of the Indian vision of One Earth, One Health aligns with its slogan, One planet our health.
In conclusion, the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine will mark a significant milestone in advancing the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development.
