New Delhi: In a significant step toward globalising India’s traditional medicine systems, the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a landmark agreement on May 24, 2025, to develop a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).
Signed in the presence of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, the agreement aims to integrate Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani systems into global healthcare frameworks through standardised, scientific classification, ensuring their therapies gain international recognition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation during the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, described the agreement as a transformative milestone for Ayurveda and allied systems. He highlighted that this initiative would enable Ayush to reach millions worldwide in a scientifically validated manner. The ICHI, which complements WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) by documenting health interventions, will now include therapies such as Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani regimens, and Siddha procedures, positioning India’s traditional medical practices within a globally standardised framework.
The inclusion of the Traditional Medicine module in ICHI is poised to deliver far-reaching benefits. It will facilitate transparent billing and fair pricing for Ayush services, streamline their integration into health insurance systems, and enhance hospital management, clinical documentation, and health research. Most significantly, it will make India’s time-tested therapies more accessible globally, aligning with the nation’s vision to mainstream its rich heritage of traditional wisdom in healthcare systems worldwide. This development marks a significant step toward ensuring that Ayush practices are recognised as evidence-based and policy-supported components of global health.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a post on X, expressed gratitude for India’s $3 million contribution to WHO’s traditional medicine initiatives, emphasising the country’s commitment to the global goal of health for all. The agreement not only strengthens India’s role as a leader in traditional medicine but also fosters collaboration with the WHO to establish international standards, ensuring that Ayush systems are seamlessly integrated into modern healthcare practices while retaining their cultural and historical significance.
This partnership builds on India’s long-standing efforts to promote Ayush systems globally, leveraging scientific validation to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary healthcare needs. By standardising interventions like Panchakarma and Yoga therapy under ICHI, the agreement paves the way for healthcare providers worldwide to adopt these practices with greater confidence, supported by clear documentation and globally accepted protocols. This move is expected to enhance the credibility of Ayush systems, making them a viable option for patients seeking holistic and affordable healthcare solutions.
The agreement also underscores the growing global interest in traditional medicine as a complement to conventional treatments. By aligning Ayush with WHO’s ICHI framework, India is not only preserving its cultural heritage but also positioning itself as a pioneer in the global healthcare landscape. This transformative step is likely to inspire other nations with rich traditional medical systems to pursue similar integrations, fostering a more inclusive and diverse approach to global health.
– global bihari bureau
