WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre

Context

India has pledged USD 85 million over the next decade to support the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in order to strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine and promote its integration into health systems worldwide.

About

• Financial Support: India’s 10-yr contribution aims to reinforce the WHO’s efforts in traditional medicine research, policy development, and public use. The investment will offer important records and proof associated with traditional medication practices, products, and guidelines.
• Global Collaboration: By integrating conventional practices and knowledge, we can attain marginalised populations and work towards health for all.
• Shared Vision: The donor agreement aligns with the vision of India and WHO together, aiming to expand the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, India, as a hub for advancing traditional medicinal drug systems globally.
• Areas of Focus: The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre specializes in five interconnected areas:
  • Research and Evidence;
  • Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage;
  • Indigenous Knowledges and Biodiversity;
  • Digital Health Applications;
  • Biennial WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and Collaborations;

Efforts by WHO

• It has established the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India to harness their potential through contemporary science and technology.
• WHO Collaborating Centre: In India, there are approximately 58 WHO Collaborating Centres spanning various disciplines of biomedicine and allied sciences.
• The National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad ranks as the third WHO Collaborating Centre in the domain of Traditional Medicine, following the Institute for Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.

Traditional Medicine in India

• India has a rich history of conventional medication that consists of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy.
• Practices

1. 1. Ayurveda and Yoga are practised widely throughout the united states of america.
   2. The Siddha device is accompanied predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
   3. The Sowa-Rigpa system is practised specially in Leh-Ladakh and Himalayan regions along with Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Lahaul & Spiti.

• These systems were incorporated into the national healthcare system with institutionalised education and research councils.
• WHO describes conventional medication as the overall sum of the expertise, capabilities and practices indigenous and specific cultures have used over time to hold health and prevent, diagnose and deal with bodily and mental contamination.

Efforts Made by India

• • India has set up a separate Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) to promote holistic health and well-being.
  • It oversees the increase and development of conventional Indian drug treatments and Homoeopathy with the objective of making only, secure, effective, and best medicines available to the general public.

Digital Initiatives and Portals

1. 1. AMAR Portal: Catalogues Ayush manuscripts, with digitised content material to be had.
   2. SAHI Portal: Displays medico-historical artefacts.
   3. E-Books of Ayush: Digital variations of classical textbooks.
   4. NAMASTE Portal: Morbidity statistics from hospitals.
   5. Ayush Research Portal: Indexes published Ayush studies articles.

Collections and Publications

1. 1. Manuscripts and Library: Over 500 physical manuscripts, rare books from the 15th century AD.
   2. Journal: Publishes the Journal of Indian Medical History.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019)