Traditional and Complementary Medicine ‘Project Collaboration Agreement’

November 20, 2023

Late last night in Geneva, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush signed a groundbreaking ‘Project Collaboration Agreement’ aimed at advancing Traditional and Complementary Medicine on a global scale.

Transformative First Phase

The initial phase of this agreement, spanning from 2023 to 2028, will mark a significant milestone in the global development of Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems.

Objectives of the Agreement

The primary goal is to integrate Traditional and Complementary Medicine into India’s National Health System, ensuring standardization, quality, and safety. This collaborative effort also aims to contribute to global health objectives, as emphasized by Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director General of the WHO’s Universal Health Coverage and Life Course Division.

Global Strategy 2025-34: A Joint Initiative

WHO and the Ministry of Ayush will collaborate on formulating the Traditional Medicine Global Strategy for the years 2025-34. This strategy will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for the integration and advancement of Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems.

Strengthening Training and Practice

The agreement outlines efforts to enhance training and practice in the field of Complementary Medicine System ‘Siddha.’ Additionally, guidelines for the listing of Traditional and Complementary Medicines, safety measures, and other related initiatives will be formulated.

International Herbal Pharmacopoeia

One notable outcome of this collaboration is the development of an International Herbal Pharmacopoeia, focusing on herbs found in South-East Asia. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of preserving biodiversity and medicinal plants.

Past Success and Ongoing Commitment

This marks the third collaborative effort between the Ministry of Ayush and WHO. Previous agreements in 2016 and 2017 focused on taking Traditional Medical systems like Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, and Panchakarma to the global stage and strengthening specific medical systems.

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