Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19 laid the foundation stone for first-of-its-kind WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Well, what are the benefits of Global Centre for Traditional Medicine? What will be its impact on the traditional medicine?
The global knowledge centre for traditional medicine aims to harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the world through modern science and technology to improve the health of people and the planet.
Benefits:
1. to position AYUSH systems across the globe
2. to provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine.
3. to ensure quality, safety and efficacy, accessibility and rational use of traditional medicine.
4. to develop norms, standards, and guidelines in relevant technical areas, tools and methodologies, for collecting data undertaking analytics, and assess impact. Envisage WHO TM Informatics centre creating a collaborative of existing TM Data banks, virtual libraries, and academic and research institutes.
5. to develop specific capacity building and training programmes in the areas of relevance to the objectives and conduct training programmes in campus, residential, or web-based, and through partnerships with the WHO Academy and other strategic partners.
World Health Organization Director Genera Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghbereyesus, announced the establishment of WHO GCTM in India on the occasion of 5Th Ayurveda Day on November 13, 2020
The WHO GCTM would provide leadership on all global health matters related to traditional medicine as well as extend support to member countries in shaping various policies related to traditional medicine research, practices and public health.
WHY THE THOUGHT FOR A GLOBAL TRADITIONAL CENTRE?
The WHO said that around 80 per cent of the world’s population is estimated to use traditional medicine. About 170 of the 194 WHO Member States have reported the use of traditional medicine, and their governments have asked for WHO’s support in creating a body of reliable evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and products. The WHO felt that national health systems and strategies of today do not yet fully integrate the millions of traditional medicine workers, accredited courses, health facilities, and health expenditures.
Traditional medicine has been an integral part of health for centuries in communities around the world, and it is still a mainstay for some. The socio-cultural practise and biodiversity heritages of traditional medicine are invaluable resources to evolve inclusive diverse sustainable development. Traditional medicine is also part of the growing trillion-dollar global health, wellness, beauty, and pharmaceutical industries. Over 40 pharmaceutical formulations are based on natural products and landmark drugs, including aspirin originated from traditional medicine. The contribution of traditional medicine to national health systems is not yet fully realized, as millions of accredited traditional medicine workers, facilities, expenditures and products are not fully accounted for.
INDIA’S INVESTMENT
India has committed an estimated US$ 250 million to support the Centre’s establishment, infrastructure and operations. This includes 35 acres of land in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India, for a new building and premise in 2024.
MODI AND TEDROS
On the occasion of laying the foundation stone, Modi said; “The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is recognition of India’s contribution and potential in this field. India’s traditional medicine system is not limited only to treatment. It is a holistic science of life. India takes this partnership as a huge responsibility for serving the entire humanity.”
“I am happy that by giving the slogan ‘One planet our health’ WHO has promoted the Indian vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’. It is a matter of immense pride for India that 2023 has been chosen as the International Year of Millets by the United Nation,” he said./
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Traditional medicines products are abound globally and the centre will go a long way in bringing the promise of the traditional medicine to fruition. The New Centre will focus on data, innovation and sustainability and will optimize the use of traditional medicine. He noted that the WHO global center for traditional medicine is a truly global project. Through this center India will be able to take its knowledge of traditional medicine to the world and similarly world will come to India. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support in establishing this center in India.
