Union Minister of State, Prataprao Jadhav (ANI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Experts and researchers from over 100 countries are set to participate in the 2nd WHO Global Summit Traditional Medicine to be held at Bharat Mandapam from December 17-19. Briefing the media about the summit, Union minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said the event is an important step towards bringing traditional medicine into mainstream health systems across the world. He said the Summit reflects India’s belief that health and well-being must be accessible and holistic, and that ancient knowledge can work alongside modern science.Jadhav said this year’s theme, “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,” highlights the growing global need for preventive and people-centred healthcare. He added that traditional medicine is becoming more relevant as countries look for trustworthy and affordable health solutions.The minister announced that a dedicated session on Ashwagandha will be held during the Summit, bringing global experts together to discuss the medicinal plant’s benefits and the latest scientific evidence behind its use. He said India’s Ayush systems—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy—have a long history of serving people and are now recognised worldwide. He noted that the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is a sign of growing international confidence in India’s traditional knowledge.Jadhav said the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to attend the closing ceremony of the Summit and expressed confidence that the discussions in December will help guide global health efforts in the coming years.Dr Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of WHO’s South-East Asia Region, said the Summit will play a key role in shaping the future of traditional, complementary and Indigenous medicine across countries. She said the participation of over 100 nations shows the rising importance of traditional medicine in public health and the need for strong research, safety standards and regulation.
