{"id":15153,"date":"2026-01-08T19:24:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=15153"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:24:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T13:54:25","slug":"indias-traditional-medicine-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=15153","title":{"rendered":"India\u2019s Traditional Medicine Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

India\u2019s Traditional Medicine Systems<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\nBuilding Quality, Access and Global Confidence<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Posted On: 16 DEC 2025 12:37PM by PIB Delhi<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
    \n
  • India will host the 2nd<\/sup>WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi from 17\u201319 December 2025,<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • The theme of the summit is\u00a0\u201cRestoring Balance for People and Planet: The Science and Practice of Well-Being.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • The Summit will also see the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL).\u00a0This is the\u00a0world\u2019s\u00a0most comprehensive digital repository on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine with over\u00a01.5 million records.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
  • There are 3,844\u00a0AYUSH hospitals,\u00a036,848 dispensaries,\u00a0886 undergraduate and 251 postgraduate colleges, and more than\u00a07.5 lakh registered practitioners in India<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    \u00a0Traditional Medicine: Legacy & Present Relevance<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Traditional medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing traditions. According to WHO, traditional, complementary and integrative medicine is used in 170 of its 194 Member States. While countries like India, China and Japan have long established systems of traditional medicines, they are also widespread in Africa and the Americas with many countries\u00a0\u00a0 recognizing and integrating them into their health systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    \nIn India, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, hold profound cultural, health, and economic importance and have been deeply embedded in daily life for years. \u00a0They offer holistic, preventive and person-centred approaches to well-being. Under the Ministry of AYUSH, systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy are formally recognised within India\u2019s public-health framework and continue to be widely practised through national institutions, service networks and community traditions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges traditional, complementary and integrative medicine as a significant source of primary health care, valued for its cultural relevance, accessibility and personalised nature. With rising interest in scientifically validated traditional practices, the WHO and regional health bodies increasingly view these systems as contributors to health equity, particularly in contexts where affordability and cultural familiarity shape healthcare choices.\u00a0The World Health Organization (WHO) organizes Traditional Medicine Global Summits to promote the evidence-based integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into global health systems. The summits convene leaders, scientists, practitioners, and communities to build political commitment and share best practices on TCIM research, safety, quality control, and biodiversity conservation. The objectives are to:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Strengthen the evidence base through research, innovation, and culturally appropriate studies.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    • \u200bSupport provision of safe, quality TCIM via robust regulatory mechanisms, standards, training, and ethical practices for practitioners and products.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    • \u200bIntegrate TCIM into national health systems, particularly primary care, using standardized documentation and models for people-centered care.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    • \u200bPromote cross-sector partnerships, protect traditional knowledge, ensure biodiversity conservation, and respect Indigenous rights through coordinated efforts.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      India\u2019s longstanding expertise and institutional capacity in traditional medicine place it at the forefront of these global discussions.\u00a0The first summit was held in Gujarat in 2023 in which methodologies for global research agendas were explored. \u00a0WHO has also come out with its\u00a0WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.\u00a0The second, summit is to be held in New Delhi from December 17-19, 2025, in New Delhi.\u00a0The Summit will offer a platform for India to present its evidence-oriented, system-wide approach to traditional medicine and to advance global collaboration on science, quality and equitable access.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Institutional & Policy Ecosystem Under AYUSH<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      The Ministry of AYUSH anchors India\u2019s traditional medicine sector through a comprehensive institutional framework. It regulates education, research, drug quality and service delivery across AYUSH services. Its policy design emphasises scientific standards, system strengthening and integration of AYUSH into national healthcare delivery.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Integration of AYUSH into Public Health Infrastructure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      A major policy is the integration of AYUSH services into public health facilities to ensure that citizens can access AYUSH care at the same points where they receive allopathic services.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • AYUSH services are now co-located across\u00a0Primary Health Centres (PHCs),\u00a0Community Health Centres (CHCs)\u00a0and\u00a0District Hospitals (DHs)\u00a0under the National Ayush Mission<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
      • Major government hospitals have also established\u00a0Integrated Ayush Departments, and signalled a shift toward institutionalising integrative medicine.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
        Indicator<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nNumber (As on 2024)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        AYUSH Hospitals<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n3,844<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        AYUSH Dispensaries<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n36,848<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Registered AYUSH Practitioners<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n755,780+<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        AYUSH Undergraduate Colleges<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n886<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        AYUSH Postgraduate Colleges<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n251<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Annual Intake \u2013 UG<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n59,643 seats<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Annual Intake \u2013 PG<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n7,450 seats<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Co-located Facilities under NAM\u00a0– PHCs<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n2,375<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Co-located Facilities under NAM\u00a0–\u00a0CHCs<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n713<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        District Hospitals<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n306<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

        Regulation, Research and Quality Standards<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

        AYUSH\u2019s regulatory ecosystem focuses on strengthening pharmacovigilance, research, drug-standards and education across systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Research councils under AYUSH conduct clinical and observational studies, update pharmacopoeial standards and support public-health research.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
        • Focus is on promoting evidence-based practice, drug-quality assurance, safety protocols and scientific integration with national health-system.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
        • Under National AYUSH Mission, hospitals and dispensaries have been upgraded, essential drugs supplied annually, and AYUSH teaching institutions strengthened.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Schemes \/ Initiatives for Mainstreaming & Quality Control<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          The Ministry of AYUSH has launched a range of targeted schemes to strengthen the quality, credibility and reach of traditional medicine systems. These initiatives support research, regulation, infrastructure development, capacity building and integration of AYUSH services within the public-health system.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          National AYUSH Mission (NAM)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          The National AYUSH Mission (NAM), launched in 2014, is the Ministry\u2019s flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at strengthening AYUSH service delivery across the country. The Mission works with States and UTs to expand infrastructure, upgrade facilities and integrate AYUSH services within the public health system. NAM places special emphasis on co-locating AYUSH units at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals, thereby ensuring wider access to traditional medicine.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          Ayurgyan<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          Ayurgyan is a Central Sector Scheme designed to strengthen research, innovation and capacity building in AYUSH systems. It addresses two core pillars: developing the research ecosystem and upgrading professional competency through Continuing Medical Education (CME).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          Under this scheme, institutions and researchers receive support for extramural studies in areas such as clinical validation, pharmacological profiling, medicinal-plant research, drug standardisation and novel formulations.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          The CME component enables AYUSH practitioners, teachers and paramedical staff to update their knowledge through workshops, digital training platforms and structured learning modules \u2014 creating a more skilled and evidence-aware workforce.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          Ayurswasthya Yojana<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          Ayurswasthya is a public-health oriented scheme. It aims at promoting community-level wellness interventions and strengthening centres of excellence in AYUSH.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

          It has two major components:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • AYUSH & Public Health Interventions (PHI):\u00a0Provides AYUSH-based preventive and promotive health programmes at the community level; generates evidence for AYUSH\u2019s contribution to public health outcomes.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
          • Centre of Excellence (CoE):\u00a0Provides financial assistance to Centres of Excellence; Supports CoEs for upgrading infrastructure, introducing advanced clinical services and expanding research capacity.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            AYUSH Oushadhi Gunvatta evum Uttapadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

            AOGUSY addresses quality, standardisation and regulatory oversight of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy (ASU&H) drugs. As a Central Sector Scheme, it aims to strengthen the entire AYUSH drug manufacturing ecosystem through improved standards, laboratory support and regulatory capacity.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

            The scheme supports:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Upgradation of drug-testing laboratories<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
            • Assistance for manufacturing units to meet quality-control benchmarks<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
            • Strengthening pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
            • Adoption of standard operating procedures and certification frameworks<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Conservation, Development & Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              This scheme provides structured support for conservation, cultivation and sustainable management of medicinal plants species across States and UTs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

              Its interventions include:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Establishment of conservation and resource augmentation areas<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
              • Supporting farmers to cultivate medicinal plants<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
              • Strengthening nurseries and regional centres<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
              • Improving supply-chain mechanisms for raw materials<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Other Key Schemes and Initiatives<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Information, Education & Communication (IEC):\u00a0Enhances public awareness of AYUSH through national campaigns, fairs, digital outreach and evidence-based communication<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                • \u00a0International Cooperation (IC):\u00a0Supports India\u2019s global engagement in traditional medicine through international conferences, bilateral collaborations, expert deployments and capacity-building partnerships, strengthening India\u2019s presence in the global AYUSH dialogue.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                    \n
                  • Medical Value Travel (MVT):Promotes India as a destination for AYUSH-based wellness and healing by supporting branding, accredited wellness centres, treatment packages and collaboration with tourism and health sectors.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                  • Digitisation & Knowledge Preservation:Advances the Ministry\u2019s digital ecosystem through the Ayush Grid, research and service portals, and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). This ensures preservation, structured documentation and protection of India\u2019s indigenous medical heritage.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    India at the 2nd<\/sup>WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    India will host the\u00a02nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine\u00a0from\u00a017\u201319 December, 2025\u00a0in\u00a0New Delhi. The Summit will bring together global policymakers, researchers, regulators, industry, and traditional-medicine experts to advance evidence-based, safe and equitable traditional-medicine practices worldwide.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                    170+<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    Expert Speakers<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n

                    		25+<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    Sessions<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n

                    		21<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    Selected Innovations<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n

                    		6+<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    WHO and Biocultural Regions<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n

                    		100+<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    Countries Represented<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                    The theme –\u00a0\u201cRestoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being\u201d- positions traditional medicine within the broader global health agenda of resilience, equity and sustainability.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    The programme spans three days, with structured engagements across plenaries, ministerial dialogues, technical sessions and thematic parallel tracks.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
                    Day 1<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nDay 2<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nDay 3<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Will open with the Ministerial Segment and Ministerial Roundtable, followed by the inaugural Plenary on \u201cRestoring Balance\u201d, and sessions exploring traditional-medicine knowledge systems and their role in planetary and human health.<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nFocuses on strengthening the scientific foundation of traditional medicine, including research methodologies, evidence generation, innovation-to-investment pathways, and sessions on the science of well-being and meditation.<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nDedicated to global standards, data systems, responsible AI, digital innovation, and the pathway from ancestral knowledge to accountable implementation, concluding with a high-level closing ceremony.<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                    Alignment with Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025\u20132034<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    The WHO\u2019s\u00a0Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025\u20132034<\/em>\u00a0lays out a comprehensive framework to shape the future of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM). The aim is to ensure that all people have universal access to\u00a0safe, effective and people-centric TCIM.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    At its core, the Strategy advances four objectives<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Strengthening the evidence base\u00a0for traditional medicine through high-quality research, digital innovations, and appropriate methodologies.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                    • Establishing robust regulatory frameworks\u00a0for TCIM products, practitioners and practices, supported by global standards such as the WHO International Herbal Pharmacopoeia.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                    • Integrating TCIM into health systems, especially at the primary healthcare level, through national policies, inter-professional collaboration and standardised documentation.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                    • Optimising cross-sectoral value, highlighting the role of TCIM in biodiversity conservation, One Health, cultural preservation, and advancing\u00a0Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 on universal health coverage\u00a0by improving access to quality, affordable and culturally appropriate health services.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      The Strategy\u2019s direction strongly mirrors India\u2019s national priorities\u2014scientific validation, safety, digitisation, sustainable use of medicinal resources, and the protection of traditional medical knowledge. India\u2019s AYUSH ecosystem, academic and research infrastructure, and WHO-linked institutions such as the\u00a0WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar<\/em>, position the country as one of the key contributors to this decade-long global framework.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      Launching at the\u00a02nd<\/sup>WHO Global\u00a0Summit<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      The Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      As part of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, WHO will launch the Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), the world\u2019s largest digital repository on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. Bringing together over 1.5 million records, TMGL will serve as a global knowledge resource with evidence maps, research, policies and regulatory information from across WHO\u2019s Member States.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                      Key highlights:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • A global portal featuring regional and country-specific pages for broad, equitable access<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Integration with Research4Life to support low-and middle-income countries<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                      • Tools for evidence mapping, research gap analysis, policymaking and quality standards<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        The launch of TMGL in India underscores the country\u2019s leadership in advancing evidence-based traditional medicine and strengthening global scientific and policy frameworks.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                        Other launches:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                        Global Research Priorities Roadmap<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nWHO Bulletin Special Issue on Traditional Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nHealth Heritage Innovations (H2I)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                        \n\n\n\n
                        India hosted the 1st<\/sup>WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine on 17\u201318 August 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, alongside the G20 Health Ministers\u2019 Meeting. As the first, high-level global platform dedicated to traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, the Summit brought international attention to the role of traditional systems in modern healthcare.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                        Key highlights included:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Participation from ministers, scientists, regulators and policy leaders across WHO Member States, enabling structured dialogue on integrating traditional medicine with contemporary health systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                        • A strong focus on evidence generation, research validation, safety and equity to build global confidence in traditional-medicine practices.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                        • Emphasis on sustainability through biodiversity protection, ethical sourcing of medicinal plants and fair benefit-sharing with knowledge holders.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
                        • Adoption of the\u00a0Gujarat Declaration<\/em>, which reaffirmed global commitment to evidence-based TCIM, called for improved data and regulatory frameworks, and acknowledged India\u2019s leadership in shaping a holistic, culturally rooted and scientificallyaligned global health agenda.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                           <\/p>\n

                           <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                          1st<\/sup>WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          Way Forward & Global Outlook<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          As traditional medicine reclaims its place in global health discourse, India stands at the forefront of this transformation. Rich wealth of traditional knowledge, powered with modern regulation, digital systems, and scientific rigour marks India out as a world leader in this area. The upcoming summit further underscores India\u2019s strength in shaping international discourse aimed at strengthening standards, and establishing frameworks for evidence-based traditional healthcare. This is also in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                          India is helping steer traditional medicine towards a future where ancient knowledge and contemporary science work together to advance human well-being. In doing so, the country is not only strengthening its own health-care landscape, but also emerging as a leading voice in shaping a more holistic, inclusive, and culturally grounded global health architecture.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          India\u2019s Traditional Medicine Systems Building Quality, Access and Global Confidence Posted On: 16 DEC 2025 12:37PM by PIB Delhi Key Takeaways India will host the 2ndWHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi from 17\u201319 December 2025, The theme of the summit is\u00a0\u201cRestoring Balance for People and Planet: The Science and Practice of Well-Being.\u201d …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15154,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15153"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15155,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15153\/revisions\/15155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}