BRICS Backs Traditional Medicine Group to Drive Research
The 18th BRICS Summit marked a historic milestone for integrative healthcare with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Significantly, the declaration reinforces international cooperation in BRICS traditional medicine to advance universal health coverage. The Ministry of Ayush announced that member states welcomed the establishment of an Expert Working Group. Therefore, this initiative creates an institutional framework under the BRICS Health Track.
Strengthening Global BRICS Traditional Medicine Collaboration
The newly endorsed working group will serve as a structured platform for member nations. Consequently, member states can now exchange knowledge, standardize protocols, and promote regulatory convergence. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that global cooperation in traditional medicine remains vital. Moreover, India remains committed to advancing scientific research and quality assurance for Ayush systems. Secretary of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha noted that this structured dialogue will unify international practices. As a result, member countries can share critical evidence and improve national regulatory frameworks.
Focus on Herbal Formulations and Pharmacopoeias
The declaration explicitly emphasizes joint research into medicinal plants and herbal preparations. In addition, member states will utilize shared traditional pharmacopoeias to create affordable therapies. Traditional systems of medicine have evolved over centuries across the BRICS nations. Thus, rigorous clinical validation will ensure that these therapeutic interventions remain safe and effective. Furthermore, multilateral collaboration will facilitate systematic documentation of indigenous remedies.
Implications for Indian Clinicians and Health Systems
For Indian medical practitioners, this agreement highlights the growing relevance of integrative health. Specifically, evidence-informed complementary medicine can complement standard therapies in primary care. Coordinated research can also bridge modern scientific methodology with time-tested holistic treatments. Ultimately, this global framework supports India's vision of achieving resilient Universal Health Coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary role of the proposed BRICS TCIM working group?
The proposed working group serves as a structured platform for BRICS member nations. Specifically, it facilitates policy dialogue, research collaboration, and knowledge sharing in traditional medicine.
Q2: How does the declaration address the safety of herbal preparations?
The declaration mandates rigorous scientific research, quality assurance, and pharmacopoeial standardization. Consequently, member countries will develop therapeutic products based on reliable clinical evidence.
Q3: How does this initiative support Universal Health Coverage?
Traditional and complementary medicine provides accessible, cost-effective treatment options. Therefore, integrating validated traditional remedies into public health systems expands universal healthcare delivery.
References
- BRICS Declaration welcomes proposed expert group on traditional medicine - ETHealthworld
- BRICS Backs Expert Group on Traditional Medicine, Calls for Evidence-Based Global Cooperation - Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India
- 18th BRICS Summit pushes global cooperation on traditional, complementary medicine - The Week
