PM Modi on Traditional Medicine at the WHO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, emphasizing the vital role of traditional healthcare systems in global health and called for stronger global cooperation to expand their acceptance and scientific credibility.

Traditional Medicine Must Gain Global Trust Through Science

Modi argued that, despite its widespread use by large populations worldwide, traditional medicine has not yet received the recognition it deserves. He stressed that it must win trust through scientific validation, research, and credible evidence to expand its reach and integration into mainstream health systems.

He highlighted the example of Ashwagandha, a herb long used in India’s traditional systems, noting its surge in global demand during the COVID‑19 pandemic and India’s efforts to promote it with evidence based research on safety, quality, and use.

Restoring Balance: A Theme of the Summit

Speaking on the summit’s theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well‑being”, Modi said traditional systems like Ayurveda focus on balance as harmony between body, mind, and environment which is central to health.

He explained that modern lifestyles, technological change, AI, and reduced physical activity are creating new health imbalances, and traditional approaches can help address these emerging challenges.

Integration with Technology and Global Frameworks

Modi underscored the need to harness digital technologies, AI tools, and research innovation to strengthen traditional medicine’s role in global health. He called for the development of trusted, globally accepted regulatory frameworks that can reassure consumers and healthcare systems.

New Global Initiatives and Digital Platforms

At the summit, the Prime Minister launched significant initiatives, including:

My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP) a digital platform for the Ayush sector

Ayush Mark a global quality benchmark for traditional products and services

Traditional Medicine Global Library a global repository of evidence and policy resources

He also released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha as a symbol of traditional medicine’s global status.

Yoga and Holistic Health
Modi reaffirmed Yoga’s role as an integral part of traditional medicine, highlighting its contribution to health, balance, and harmony worldwide, and celebrated its acceptance, such as International Yoga Day recognition by the United Nations.

A Shared Global Responsibility
Concluding his remarks, Modi insisted that the advancement of traditional medicine is not just India’s duty but a shared global responsibility. He emphasized collaboration, respect, scientific rigor, and commitment as key to positioning traditional medicine as part of future health systems.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical Science communicator.
Private Investigator and Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,
International Conflict Management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi Global Academy United States Institute of Peace.

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