Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine 2025
Core Update
India hosted the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 17-19 December 2025, jointly organized by WHO and Ministry of Ayush.
What is the Summit About?
The summit brings together policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and civil society leaders to advance a shared vision of balanced, inclusive, and sustainable health systems integrating Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
Key Features
- Theme: "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being"
- WHO-GTMC: Global Centre for Traditional Medicine established in Jamnagar, Gujarat (only such outposted WHO centre globally)
- ICD-11 Module 2: Launched in 2024 integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes
- WHO Strategy 2025-2034: Adopted by World Health Assembly focusing on evidence, safety, quality, and integration
- ICHI Development: Work on International Classification of Health Interventions underway
Ashwagandha Session Highlights
A major parallel session titled "Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact" examined the evolving scientific, regulatory, and safety landscape of Ashwagandha, featuring experts from American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Finland, and University of Mississippi.
India's Global Footprint
- 26 country-level MoUs for Ayush cooperation
- 43 Ayush Information Cells in 39 countries
- 15 Ayush Academic Chairs in international universities
- 104 scholarships annually for foreign nationals
Why it Matters
- Positions India as the global 'Knowledge Hub' for evidence-based traditional medicine
- Scientific classification through ICD-11 and ICHI enables traditional medicine to enter global healthcare mainstreams
- Essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage in developing nations
UPSC Relevance
- GS-II: Health Governance, International Institutions, India's Soft Power Diplomacy
- GS-III: Science & Technology in Health Sector
Prelims Trap Alert
⚠️ WHO-GTMC in Jamnagar is the ONLY global out-posted centre for traditional medicine under WHO worldwide. Don't confuse with other WHO regional offices.