Traditional Medicine, as the name suggests, is a healthcare system which involves medical skills, practices, medicinal formulations etc. based on conventional beliefs and knowledge indigenous to particular region and/or culture. It is more of nature-based including herbs, dietary therapies, acupuncture, etc. In context to India, health and medicine related practices are being performed here since ages. India’s richness in traditional medicine is attributed to the ancient system of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
Recently on November 20, 2025, India and Germany upgraded their collaboration on traditional medicine at Berlin Joint Working Group Meeting with India having aim of globalising AYUSH system and thus contributing to healthcare sector significantly. (AYUSH= Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy; Ministry of AYUSH, GoI).
In March 2022, WHO (World Health Organization) established Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India with the aim of enhancing the potential of traditional medicines using modern techniques and doing high throughput research and development in healthcare sector.
What’s your take on traditional medicine and India being one of the pioneers in the development of this healthcare dimension globally?
India’s traditional medicine systems have huge global potential, and it’s great to see them gaining recognition through collaborations and the WHO GCTM. With proper scientific validation and integration with modern medicine, India can lead this field responsibly and effectively.
Traditional medicine represents a remarkable bridge between ancient wisdom and modern healthcare. India, with its deep heritage in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, holds a unique global leadership position in this domain. The recent establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar and India’s collaboration with Germany reflect rising international recognition and scientific validation. Integrating traditional systems with evidence-based research can unlock new therapeutic pathways, reduce dependency on purely chemical-based treatments, and provide holistic, preventive healthcare solutions. By globalising AYUSH through standardisation, rigorous clinical studies, and innovation, India can significantly influence future wellness models and contribute profoundly to global health.
Traditional medicines of India, of course, need global recognition and stricter regulations. The manufacturing process of these medicines is still naive and requires progression in the production and needs an upgrade to match the global standards.
Traditional medicine has gained global recognition, but there must be proper rules and regulations in place. Without strict regulation, quacks can easily enter the system and potentially cause harm.
