Gandhinagar, August 18, 2023: The historic inauguration of the first World Health Organization (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine took place alongside the G20 health ministerial meet in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Union Minister of Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The ceremony was marked by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, accompanied by auspicious hymns dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Tedros Adhanom highlighted the timeless significance of Traditional Medicine, stating that it remains relevant and integral to communities and cultures worldwide. He praised the Indian Government’s Ayushman Bharat Initiative and the seamless integration of traditional medicine into rural primary healthcare settings.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, emphasized the potential outcomes of the summit, expressing that it will generate recommendations for a dedicated forum within future G20 presidencies. He commended India’s integrative approach and the establishment of dedicated Ayush Departments in all AIIMS, attributing these achievements to the clear vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel to the nation’s development. He highlighted India’s position as a potential knowledge hub in traditional medicine and stressed the summit’s role in fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices.
Shri Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, recounted how Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s belief in the efficacy of traditional medicine led to the world’s first Traditional Medicine Global Summit, particularly relevant in the context of dealing with crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The experiential Ayush Exhibition Zone, held concurrently with an exhibition of traditional medicine systems from WHO’s six regions, drew many attendees. The exhibition showcased the Ministry of Ayush’s achievements in education, healthcare, research, and public health, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing and zero-waste practices. Interactive kiosks offered comprehensive information about Ayush, while a virtual reality experience and live Yoga demonstration added immersive elements to the exhibition.
The summit provided a platform for global collaboration and the exchange of ideas, contributing to the promotion of traditional medicine’s role in mainstream healthcare. With over 170 countries utilizing traditional medicine and growing interest from industries, the event reaffirmed the global significance of traditional healing systems.
The inaugural WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine marked a significant milestone in the journey towards integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare practices and fostering international cooperation in the field.