First-Ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in Gandhinagar

The upcoming Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is a groundbreaking initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and jointly hosted by the Ministry of Ayush. Scheduled for August 17-18, 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, this historic event aims to tap into India’s rich heritage and proficiency in Traditional Medicine.

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The summit holds immense promise as a unique forum, uniting global experts and practitioners to explore cutting-edge scientific developments and knowledge rooted in evidence within the field. The overarching objective is to foster universal health and well-being by harnessing the potential of Traditional Medicine.

More About the Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

The highly esteemed Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will inaugurate this momentous event. The opening ceremony will also witness the presence of Health Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.

Notably, the summit is set to welcome G20 health Ministers, WHO’s Regional Directors, and prominent representatives from various countries spanning WHO’s six regions.
Accompanying them will be an illustrious lineup of scientists, traditional medicine practitioners, healthcare professionals, and members of civil society organizations.
An impressive array of distinguished speakers will lead engaging discussions, focusing on critical areas such as research, evidence, and knowledge acquisition.

Deliberations will also encompass policy, data, and regulation; innovation and digital healthcare; and the vital realms of biodiversity, equity, and traditional healthcare wisdom.

Aim/Vision

The summit holds the promise of charting a path toward a more comprehensive and healthier world for generations to come. This vision acknowledges the profound interplay between human health, ecological balance, and technological advancement.

Events Organised by the Ministry of Ayush

An additional noteworthy highlight of the summit will be the captivating exhibition showcasing Traditional Medicine practices from around the world, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush.
- This exhibition stands as a comprehensive panorama of Traditional Medicine on a global scale.
- It will vividly demonstrate the intricate bond between Traditional Medicine and the natural world, symbolized by the ‘Kalpavriksha’.
- This display will also underscore the scientific and technological strides achieved by WHO’s regional centers and the Ministry of Ayush.
Key features of the event include an exhibition by WHO regional centers and the Ayush exhibition zone, themed ‘Ayush for Planetary Health & Wellbeing’.
- This exhibition will showcase the impressive capabilities of WHO’s regional centers and highlight the effectiveness of Ayush, while also spotlighting the abundant biodiversity of medicinal plants.
- Attendees can look forward to engaging experiential and interactive kiosks that promise an enriching experience.
In addition, the Ministry of Ayush will organize rejuvenating yoga and meditation sessions at the Convention Centre.
- These sessions will offer participants the chance to center themselves and find moments of tranquility.
- Yoga and meditation breaks will also be interspersed between sessions at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, providing attendees with opportunities for relaxation and holistic well-being.

Significance of the Summit

The culmination of the summit will be a significant declaration that holds the potential to guide the future trajectory of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM). This declaration is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Center.

Emphasizing the significance of this event, it’s noteworthy that the summit is a natural progression following the establishment of the WHO GCTM in Jamnagar the previous year. This landmark gathering in India underscores the multifaceted advancements made by diverse traditional medicine systems within the country.

India’s approach of harmonizing time-honored practices with modern methodologies, complemented by forward-looking policies and digital innovations, stands as a remarkable model. It highlights a pathway toward achieving universal health coverage through the integration of traditional medicine systems. This holistic approach showcases India’s commitment to holistic well-being and healthcare.

WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces with the Government of India to establish a groundbreaking initiative known as the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM).

The foundation stone for this center was laid by India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in the preceding year, with the esteemed presence of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
This collaborative endeavor between the Ministry of Ayush of India and WHO represents the world’s singular and pioneering hub dedicated to traditional medicine.
Functioning as a global focal point, the WHO GCTM assumes a pivotal role in advancing international health matters pertinent to traditional medicine.
Moreover, it extends vital assistance to member countries in crafting policies concerning research, practices, and public health associated with traditional medicine.

In a momentous development, this year’s eagerly anticipated event is manifested through the WHO GCTM, signifying a significant stride in the advancement of traditional healthcare practices and knowledge on a global scale.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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