NOV 10: India reaffirmed its global leadership in advancing evidence-based traditional medicine as the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted an Ambassadors’ Reception in New Delhi ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled for 17–19 December 2025.
The event brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior officials to discuss the summit’s vision, relevance, and opportunities for international cooperation.
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Health, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted that traditional medicine represents humanity’s collective wisdom, playing a vital role in achieving equitable, accessible, and evidence-based healthcare systems. He emphasized that India, in partnership with WHO, continues to strengthen research, safety standards, and global accessibility through initiatives such as the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, underscored that the summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing,” reflects the collective goal of integrating traditional and modern healthcare systems for holistic well-being.
Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, noted India’s key role in shaping global frameworks for traditional medicine, while Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus, WHO SEARO, reiterated that traditional medicine is integral to achieving “Health for All.”
The reception set the tone for the upcoming WHO Summit, reaffirming global commitment to collaboration, research, and innovation in traditional medicine to build inclusive, affordable, and evidence-based healthcare systems worldwide.
