WHO GLOBAL TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CENTRE

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Context: India commits $85 million over 10 years to support the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre.

 Details

• India has pledged $85 million over the next 10 years to support the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Traditional Medicine Centre. This contribution is part of a larger $250 million investment by India, aimed at establishing and supporting the Centre, which began in 2022.
  

In 2023, India signed a five-year agreement to assist WHO’s Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCI) unit, which creates benchmark documents and technical resources to enhance the credibility of traditional medicine systems.

Purpose of the Investment

• Support the Centre’s Work Plan: This includes developing programs and projects related to traditional medicine.
• Build and Maintain Facilities: Financial support will cover the interim premises and the construction of a new building for the Centre.

Goals of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre

• Research and Evidence: Collecting and analyzing data on traditional medicine practices.
• Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage: Integrating traditional medicine into health systems to improve accessibility.
• Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity: Preserving and using traditional knowledge and biodiversity.
• Digital Health Applications: Utilizing technology to support traditional medicine practices.
• Global Summits and Collaborations: Organizing biennial summits and fostering global partnerships.

Significance of India’s Contribution

• Strengthening Evidence Base: The funding will help gather data on traditional medicine policies, practices, and public use.
• Global Collaboration: The investment supports WHO’s efforts to enhance traditional medicine practices worldwide.
• Supporting WHO’s Core Work: Part of the funds will be used in WHO’s Investment Round for core activities from 2025 to 2028.

Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

• The Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, aims to promote traditional medicine as a treatment system for various ailments.
• The foundation stone was laid on April 20, 2022, by the Prime Minister of India, alongside the Prime Minister of Mauritius, and WHO Director-General.

Objectives

• Technology Integration: Create a traditional knowledge database using modern technology.
• International Standards: Develop testing and certification standards for traditional medicines.
• Global Collaboration: Provide a platform for traditional medicine experts worldwide to collaborate.
• Fundraising for Research: Raise funds for traditional medicine research.
• Holistic Treatment Protocols: Design treatment protocols that integrate traditional and modern medicine.

Participating Countries

Offices of 107 WHO member countries will be based in the Centre.

Need for the Centre

• Health Facility Integration: Integrate traditional medicine with health facilities, staff, and accredited syllabus.
• Natural Substances in Pharmaceuticals: Sustain and conserve biodiversity as 40% of pharmaceutical components are natural.
• Artificial Intelligence: Use AI for evidence mapping and innovating traditional medicine methods.
• Digital Technology: Use mobile apps, online sessions, and other digital technologies to update information on traditional medicine.

Focus Areas

• Evidence-Based Learning: Establish qualitative standards for traditional medicine practices and products.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data to support traditional medicine.
• Equity and Sustainability: Ensure the equitable and sustainable development of traditional medicine.
• Optimization and Innovation: Optimize traditional medicine for sustainable development and its contribution to global health.

Conclusion

• India’s significant financial commitment reflects its dedication to promoting and integrating traditional medicine on a global scale. By supporting the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, India aims to strengthen the evidence base for traditional practices and improve healthcare systems worldwide.

Must Read Articles:

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

Source:

The Hindu

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Evaluate the influence of traditional Indian medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, on the development of public health policies in India. Discuss how Ayurveda medicine has been incorporated into national health schemes and the impact it has had on healthcare delivery and outcomes.