India to Donate USD 85 Million to Medicine Centre in Gujarat

India has taken a monumental step in promoting traditional medicine on a global scale by committing USD 85 million over a period of ten years to support the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This initiative highlights India's dedication to integrating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into mainstream healthcare practices worldwide.

The donor agreement was formalized during a ceremony at WHO headquarters in Geneva, with signatures from Arindam Bagchi, India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO's Assistant Director-General for UHC and Life Course. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, also attended the event virtually, underscoring the collaborative effort.

The WHO GTMC in Jamnagar will serve as a pivotal knowledge hub, focusing on evidence-based practices to improve health and well-being globally. This centre is the first and only global out-posted facility dedicated to traditional medicine, marking a significant milestone in the field. The interim office is already operational, working on developing capacity-building and training programs in partnership with strategic entities such as the WHO Academy.

The collaboration includes creating benchmark documents for Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems, developing WHO terminology for these practices, and introducing new modules in the International Classification of Diseases. Additional initiatives like the M-Yoga app and support for the International Pharmacopoeia of Herbal Medicine are part of broader efforts to integrate traditional medicine into global health frameworks.

The Ministry of Ayush plays a crucial role in these initiatives, aiming to position traditional medicine as a key contributor to global health. The partnership between India and WHO is set to benefit not only the Indian population but also the global community by promoting the sustainable development goals through traditional medicine.

India's substantial contribution will enable the WHO GTMC to expand its capacities across various technical divisions and regions, fostering global collaboration and solidarity. This initiative reflects India's vision of achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that traditional medicine continues to play a vital role in improving health outcomes worldwide.

By supporting the WHO GTMC, India is leading the way in integrating traditional practices into mainstream healthcare. This initiative is a testament to India's commitment to promoting traditional medicine and its potential to make a significant impact on global health, ensuring that these practices reach those most in need.