AYUSH moves into global healthcare mainstream with WHO collaboration; what it means
In a landmark move set to elevate the global profile of traditional medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH has signed a significant agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO). The agreement, inked on Saturday, initiates the creation of a dedicated Traditional Medicine module within the WHO’s International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).
According to the AYUSH Ministry, this collaboration will facilitate the international standardisation of therapies from India’s traditional medicine systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani.
The ICHI, designed to complement the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), documents healthcare procedures and interventions. The addition of a traditional medicine module will enable recognition of therapies like Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani treatments, and Siddha practices in globally accepted formats.
During the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the significance of this development. “Something important has happened in the field of Ayurveda… An MoU was signed in the presence of the WHO Director-General and my friend Tulsi Bhai on Saturday,” said Modi. He also added that this initiative will help AYUSH systems reach a broader global audience through a scientific approach.
The new module is expected to bring numerous benefits, including transparent billing practices, equitable pricing for AYUSH services, smoother inclusion of traditional treatments in health insurance plans, and improved clinical documentation, hospital administration, and research.
Welcoming the agreement, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X, “Pleased to sign an agreement for a $3 million contribution from India to WHO’s work on traditional medicine and the International Classification of Health Interventions. We appreciate India’s commitment to #HealthForAll.”
This recent development aligns with India’s broader vision of integrating its rich heritage of traditional healing practices into the global healthcare mainstream, underpinned by scientific standards. With the combined strength of ICD-11 and the new ICHI module, AYUSH systems are positioned to become an evidence-based, internationally recognised component of modern healthcare—marking a pivotal shift toward accessible, affordable, and trusted global health solutions.
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