India has taken a major step toward globalizing its traditional medicine systems with the signing of a landmark agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO). The agreement establishes a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), ensuring that therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, Unani, and Siddha are recognized in globally accepted scientific terms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of this initiative in the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, describing it as a transformative step for integrating Ayush into international healthcare systems. He emphasized that this development will make Ayush therapies more accessible and evidence-based, improving their inclusion in health insurance policies, clinical research, and hospital records.
The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the move, announcing a $3 million contribution from India toward WHO’s work on traditional medicine and ICHI. The collaboration strengthens India’s vision of promoting scientific validation and structured documentation of its centuries-old healing systems, reinforcing their credibility in modern medicine.
With the new traditional medicine module aligning with WHO’s ICD-11 classification for diseases, Ayush is expected to play an increasingly central role in global health policies and integrative treatment frameworks. The initiative not only enhances visibility but also ensures standardized pricing, transparent billing, and wider acceptance of India’s traditional therapies worldwide.
India continues to lead efforts in scientific expansion and international collaboration for holistic healthcare, ensuring that its rich medical heritage is recognized and integrated into mainstream global health practices.
