As traditional medicine regains prominence in global health discussions, India is emerging as a key leader by combining its vast heritage of indigenous knowledge with modern regulation, digital innovation and scientific validation, the government said on Tuesday.
India will host the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19. The summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance for People and Planet: The Science and Practice of Well-Being,” reflects a growing global emphasis on holistic and sustainable healthcare approaches.
A major highlight of the summit will be the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), described as the world’s most comprehensive digital repository on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. The library will host over 1.5 million records, strengthening global access to credible knowledge and research in this field.
The event reinforces India’s role in shaping international frameworks and standards for evidence-based traditional healthcare, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the government said.
Traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani have long been embedded in India’s cultural and healthcare practices, offering holistic, preventive and person-centred solutions. Under the Ministry of AYUSH, systems including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy are formally integrated into the public health framework.
According to official data, India currently has 3,844 AYUSH hospitals, 36,848 dispensaries, 886 undergraduate and 251 postgraduate colleges, along with over 7.5 lakh registered practitioners, highlighting the scale and institutional strength of the sector.
The World Health Organization recognises traditional, complementary and integrative medicine as a vital source of primary healthcare, valued for its accessibility, cultural relevance and personalised approach. With increasing demand for scientifically validated traditional therapies, global health bodies see these systems as important contributors to health equity, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
Following the first summit held in Gujarat in 2023, WHO also released its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, further underlining global momentum. By bridging ancient wisdom and modern science, India is positioning itself as a leading voice in building a more inclusive and holistic global health architecture.
.jpg)
