India is preparing to host the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19, 2025, in New Delhi. Union Ayush Minister, Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride in hosting this event. This follows the successful inaugural summit held in Gujarat in 2023. This year’s theme is "Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being." Consequently, it represents a crucial milestone in global efforts to mainstream these age-old systems.
Driving the Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine
The summit advances the newly adopted WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. Furthermore, this strategy was adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly. It provides a global roadmap for the evidence-based integration of traditional, complementary, and indigenous medicines (TCIM) into national health systems. Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from over 100 countries will participate to chart a decade-long plan. Therefore, discussions will focus on bridging evidence gaps through rigorous research and innovation.
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, WHO Regional Director Emeritus, emphasized the summit’s role in advancing global health cooperation. She noted that the urgent need for a stronger evidence base remains the key challenge. Conversely, health systems regulation and integration will also be a major topic of discussion. The Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, signifies the increasing global confidence in India’s traditional knowledge systems.
India’s Leadership in Ayush System Integration
India has long been a global leader in holistic healthcare. The Ayush systems—Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa, and Homoeopathy—have served the population for centuries. Today, these systems are internationally recognised as trusted solutions for holistic health. Moreover, India has systematically integrated Ayush into its public health infrastructure. For example, Ayush facilities are now co-located in thousands of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs) nationwide. This widespread deployment ensures that culturally relevant, preventive, and affordable care is accessible.
Focus on Scientific Evidence and Ashwagandha
The Ministry of Ayush is committed to strengthening the scientific validation of its practices. For this reason, a dedicated side event at the summit will highlight Ashwagandha, one of India’s most renowned and scientifically-studied medicinal plants. They will discuss its significance in both traditional and contemporary health practices. The summit will also showcase scientific breakthroughs and new tools. These include the planned launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library, a massive digital repository of scientific records, further strengthening the evidence base for Traditional Medicine practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main theme of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine?
The summit’s theme is "Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being."
Q2: What key WHO policy will the summit advance?
The summit will advance the implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which focuses on evidence, safety, regulation, and integration of TCIM into global health systems.
Q3: How is India demonstrating leadership in traditional medicine?
India is demonstrating leadership by hosting the summit, establishing the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, and actively integrating Ayush systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa, and Homoeopathy—into its national public health infrastructure, including co-location in PHCs and CHCs.
References
- India leads world in restoring balance through traditional medicine: Ayushminister – ETHealthworld
- WHO. Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
- NIH. India’s journey in mainstreaming Ayush in primary health care—from tradition to integration.
- The Star. WHO to showcase breakthrough traditional medicine innovations at 2025 summit.
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