Cultural roots, global reach: India’s G20 legacy of traditional medicine into healthcare

Nidhi Rai, Consultant-Ayush desk, Invest India stresses that as the G20 leadership baton transitions to Brazil, the emphasis on Traditional Medicine is set to persist. The envisioned Dedicated Forum for Traditional Medicine within the G20 framework holds the promise of sustained collaboration and integration across sectors

“Sector of traditional medicine is expanding continuously and we have to take full advantage of its every possibility” – Shri Narendra Modi

In the global healthcare landscape, Traditional Medicine (TM) is emerging as a pivotal player, offering holistic solutions harmoniously integrated with lifestyle and modern approaches in pursuit of health and wellness for all, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 03). As nations work towards integrating evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine into their healthcare systems, the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) will play a pivotal role in standardising research, evidence, processes, disease classification, treatments, and integrative philosophy.

Beyond the G20, India’s proactive commitment to evidence-based practices is evident through initiatives like establishing the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) and hosting the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit on the sidelines of the 4th Health Working Group. These align with global efforts to expedite scientifically validated Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) products and practices.

Traditional medicine during G20

During the 2018 Argentinian Presidency, global recognition of traditional medicine was discussed and highlighted, as G20 leaders expressed openness to integrating it into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programs. However, subsequent presidencies in 2020 and 2021 saw limited progress on this front. India’s G20 Presidency aimed to rejuvenate global interest in traditional medicine globally and priming India to lead this transformation.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s 2019 Osaka Summit comment highlighted the “5 A’s” in health services: Accessible, Affordable, Appropriate, Accountable, and Adaptable, and how Ayush significantly contributes to these components. Acknowledging this, the Ministry of Ayush set key G20 objectives, emphasising collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and heritage appreciation, culminating in the recognition of Traditional Medicine in New Delhi’s Leaders Declaration.

Participating in over 25 events across 20 cities in 15+ states, the Ministry of Ayush showcased the Ayush sector, and the progress & achievements of R&D in the sector, and the future scope of TM- across roundtables, side sessions, and startup exhibitions, while also raising awareness through Ayurveda, Yoga & Wellness with significant foreign delegate involvement.

India’s G20 Presidency placed TM at the forefront across all four Health Working Group (HWG) events, featuring active participation from the Ministry of Ayush. The inaugural Thiruvananthapuram event focused on preventing health emergencies, emphasizing global cooperation for holistic health, with Traditional Medicine playing a significant role. The Goa event highlighted the global potential of Digital Health, showcasing India’s integrated healthcare and technology approach to achieving UHC. The third event spotlighted translational research in Ayush, marked by the launch of the “G20 Primer on Traditional Medicine.”

These initiatives underscore India’s dedication to holistic well-being and healthcare innovation, positioning the Ministry of Ayush as a contributor to the global transformation of healthcare.

In 2022, the WHO inaugurated its first and only Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, showcasing India’s potential as a global hub for TM. Aligned with this development, the first-ever WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit (TMGS) was held in Gandhinagar alongside the G20- Health Ministerial Meeting, on August 17-18, 2023.

• The TMGS summit drew 550 delegates from 75 countries,

• interphase session,

• bilateral meetings with Nepal, Qatar, Cuba, Malaysia, and Venezuela,

“Traditional Medicine is as old as humanity itself. However, it is not a thing of the past. It has a growing relevance in communities and cultures even today.”– Dr Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of WHO during WHO TMGS 2023.

As a testament to India’s leadership role, HWG organised an interphase session that brought together representatives from G20 countries, invited nations, WHO-Traditional Medicine Global Summit, and Advantage Healthcare India. Global policy and decision-makers shared insights on the potential of Traditional Medicine in the healthcare system, further catalysing its integration into global healthcare systems.

The summit culminated in the issuance of the Gujarat Declaration by WHO, emphasizing TM’s pivotal role in achieving UHC. The declaration commits to supporting member states through evidence generation and policy support, influencing the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine’s future and shaping WHO’s strategy for 2025 to 2034. This collective commitment marks a significant stride in integrating Traditional Medicine globally.

Sherpa meeting: Congregation with engagement groups

In line with active engagements with G20 groups, including HWG, Think20, Women20, Civil20, Startup20, Science20, AWG, and DWG- a Sherpa Meeting was convened. The objective was to solidify deliberations and planned outcomes with various Groups, creating an actionable roadmap for Ayush and Traditional Medicine in global cooperation as the G20 transitions to other countries’ presidencies.

In line with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision, efforts to promote global collaboration, engage industry stakeholders, understand Indian heritage in TM adoption, and establish a dedicated G20 forum led to significant outcomes. As a result of relentless efforts, Traditional Medicine received official recognition in New Delhi’s Leaders Declaration 2023, unanimously agreed upon by all G20 countries as a historic achievement. In the words of declaration

“Recognise the potential role of evidence-based Traditional and Complementary Medicine in healthcare, and acknowledge international efforts in this direction, including WHO’s global and collaborating centers, and clinical trial registries.”

Building on this recognition, GOI is actively working towards creating a research ecosystem for scientifically validated collaboration. Notably, GCTM being the inaugural UN office in India, is mandated to catalyse ancient Traditional Medicine knowledge with scientific tools and technologies. This initiative commits to integrating traditional wisdom with modern science, fostering dynamic collaboration in healthcare and well-being.

Looking ahead

As the G20 leadership baton transitions to Brazil, the emphasis on Traditional Medicine is set to persist. The envisioned Dedicated Forum for Traditional Medicine within the G20 framework holds the promise of sustained collaboration and integration across sectors.

The sector’s accomplishments in G20 groups underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to incorporate Traditional Medicine into diverse aspects of society. Aligned with Brazil’s G20 motto, “Building a just world and a sustainable planet,” it reflects a commitment to fair agreements promoting global development.

India’s G20 presidency not only showcased its rich cultural heritage but also established the groundwork for a global discourse on the significance of Traditional Medicine. The intersectoral convergence, spanning health, innovation, research and development, youth, women and child welfare, and corporate social responsibility, showcased a comprehensive approach to holistic well-being. The commitments and achievements made through these engagements serve as a guiding light for the future integration of traditional systems into global healthcare. The ongoing journey to champion holistic health and well-being finds its continuation, with India’s legacy resonating in the collective pursuit.