Traditional Medicine Module under International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI)

Core Update

WHO and the Ministry of Ayush held a technical meeting to develop a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).

What is the ICHI Traditional Medicine Module?

A classification framework being developed to create standardised intervention codes for traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani.

Background

• Based on an MoU and Donor Agreement signed on 24 May 2025
• India is providing financial and technical support

Scope of the Module

• Covers Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) systems
• Develops intervention codes for traditional medicine
• Enables global classification of healthcare interventions

Global Participation

• Representatives from all six WHO regions
• Participation of multiple WHO member states
• Coordination with WHO headquarters and GTMC, Jamnagar

Significance

• Creates a common global language for traditional medicine interventions
• Supports clinical research, documentation and health policy
• Facilitates integration into national health information systems

UPSC Relevance

• GS-II: International organisations, WHO
• GS-III: Indigenous knowledge systems, health policy

Prelims Trap Alert

⚠️ This is an intervention classification, not a treatment guideline. ICHI ≠ ICD disease classification.

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