The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Wednesday by signing a host country agreement, making it the world’s first and only global outpost for traditional medicine. The WHO GCTM will be situated within the Ministry of AYUSH.
This agreement was signed between the Government of India and the World Health Organization (WHO) through the signing of a host country agreement, according to an official statement from the GoI.
The Official Statement Also Mentioned That The WHO GCTM Will Be Established Under The Ministry Of Ayush In India. “The Upcoming WHO- GCTM And Various Other Initiatives In Collaboration With WHO Will Aid India In Positioning Traditional Medicine Across The Globe,” Read The Official Statement.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghbereyesus announced the establishment of a WHO GCTM in India on November 13, 2020. PM Modi has reaffirmed the announcement, claiming that the WHO GCTM will emerge as a global wellness centre, enhancing evidence-based research, training, and awareness for traditional medicine.
The Official Statement Mentioned That A Joint Task Force (JTF) Has Been Constituted For Coordination, Execution And Monitoring Of Activities For The Establishment Of This Centre. JTF Comprises Representatives From The Government Of India, Permanent Mission Of India, Geneva And The World Health Organization.
“The Ministry Of AYUSH Has Collaborated With WHO On Many Fronts Including Developing Benchmarks Documents On Training And Practice Of Ayurveda And Unani System, Introducing A Second Module In The Traditional Medicine Chapter Of The International Classification Of Diseases-11, Developing Apps Like M-Yoga, Supporting The Work Of International Pharmacopeia Of Herbal Medicine (IPHM) And Other Research Studies Etc.” The Statement Said.
“Traditional Medicine Is A Key Pillar Of Health Care Delivery Systems And Plays A Crucial Role In Maintaining Good Health And Well-Being. Safe And Effective Traditional Medicine Will Play A Significant Role In Ensuring All People Have Access To Quality Essential Health Care Services And Safe, Effective And Affordable Essential Medicines As The World Approach The Ten-Year Milestone For Sustainable Development Goals In 2030. The WHO-GCTM Will Identify Various Challenges Faced By The Countries In Regulating, Integrating And Further Positioning Traditional Medicine In Respective Countries,” It Read.