First Global Summit On Traditional Medicine To Be Held In Gujarat's Gandhinagar On 17-18 August

A first-of-its-kind global summit on Traditional Medicine, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, is set to take place on 17-18 August 2023, at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, an official release said on Monday (14 August).

The event will serve as a platform for experts and practitioners to delve into the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based knowledge in the sector, with the ultimate goal of ensuring health and well-being for all, the Ministry of Ayush said in a release.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will inaugurate the event in the presence of Union Minister of Health Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal.

Further, G20 health Ministers, regional directors of WHO and eminent invitees from countries across WHO's six regions are expected to attend the event along with scientists, practitioners of traditional medicine, health workers and members of civil society organisations, the ministry said.

Speaking about the event in a press conference in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Ayush Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai said that the the summit's outcome will be a declaration, which will assist WHO in shaping the future of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. 

“It is very natural that after the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar last year, we are going to witness this first global event in India. It testifies to the multi-dimensional strides taken by various traditional medicine systems of our country in the recent past," the minister said.

“By blending traditional practices with contemporary practices aided by visionary policies and digital initiatives, India has demonstrated a path for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through traditional medicine systems," he added.

Manon Jhalani, director, department of health systems development (WHO South East Asia Regional Centre) stated that the summit is expected to develop a roadmap toward creating a more holistic and healthier world for future generations by recognising the interconnectedness between human health, planetary harmony, and technological advancement.