Project Collaboration Agreement: Elevating Traditional Medicine Systems

Introduction

• The Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recently formalized a Project Collaboration Agreement aimed at integrating Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems into the national health framework. This strategic initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the Traditional Medicine Global Strategy 2025-34, a comprehensive plan set to be developed by the WHO in conjunction with the Ministry of Ayush.

Objectives

• The primary objective of this collaboration is to standardize Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems, emphasizing the integration of quality and safety measures into the National Health System. The overarching aim is to propagate these practices on an international scale, thereby elevating their status within the global healthcare landscape.

Key Goals

• This collaboration is geared towards achieving several pivotal goals:
• Integration and Standardization: Incorporating Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems into the national health framework while ensuring their quality and safety.
• International Dissemination: Promoting these systems globally to strengthen their position in the international healthcare arena.
• Special Focus on Siddha Medicine: A core aspect of this agreement is to bolster training and practice within the Complementary Medicine System, particularly focusing on Siddha.
• Guidelines and Safety Protocols: Formulating comprehensive guidelines for the listing of Traditional and Complementary Medicines, as well as establishing safety protocols.
• Development of Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Collaborating on an International Herbal Pharmacopoeia centered on herbs prevalent in South-East Asia.

Significance

• This marks the third collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO. Previous agreements in 2016 and 2017 focused on globalizing Traditional Medical systems like Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, and Panchakarma, as well as strengthening Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medical systems. The current initiative further consolidates these efforts, emphasizing the integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine into the fabric of global healthcare.

Conclusion

• The Project Collaboration Agreement between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO represents a significant step towards integrating Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems into mainstream healthcare. With its comprehensive objectives and focused approach, this collaboration aims to elevate the status of these systems both nationally and internationally, contributing to a more holistic healthcare paradigm.