On May 9, 2025, the Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was held at the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, bringing together representatives from various countries to promote the integration of traditional medicine into global healthcare systems. This significant gathering highlighted India’s leadership in fostering evidence-based traditional medicine worldwide.
Key Highlights of the GFTM Meeting
Strengthening Global Collaboration
The meeting built on the Gujarat Declaration and aligned with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. It also set the stage for the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, scheduled for December 2–4, 2025, in India. The GFTM, established by India in May 2023, serves as an informal platform for WHO member states to discuss and support the role of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage.
India’s Vision for Traditional Medicine
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, delivered a virtual keynote address, emphasizing the growing relevance of traditional medicine in advancing One Health and Sustainable Development Goals. He called for enhanced collaboration, knowledge exchange, and research partnerships to integrate traditional medicine into global health systems.
India’s Contributions to Traditional Medicine
Innovative Initiatives
India’s Ministry of Ayush has spearheaded initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission and Ayush Arogya Mandirs, which promote integrative healthcare models. The ministry has also facilitated insurance coverage for traditional medicine and collaborated with premier institutions like DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR for research. Emerging fields such as AI, genomics, and bioinformatics are being explored to enhance traditional medicine’s efficacy and accessibility.
Global Leadership
India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation, aligning with WHO guidelines to promote integrative healthcare solutions. The country is also hosting a global technical meeting on AI applications in traditional medicine, showcasing its role in safeguarding traditional knowledge and promoting equitable health.
Upcoming Global Engagement
Side Event at WHA78
The GFTM will host a high-level side event during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) on May 23, 2025, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva. Titled “Traditional Medicine: From Traditional Heritage to Frontier Science, for Health for All”, the event will highlight the global momentum to integrate Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) into universal health systems and sustainable development frameworks.
Key Facts About Traditional Medicine
Significance of Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine encompasses systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, which emphasize holistic and preventive healthcare. It plays a crucial role in achieving universal health coverage by providing accessible and culturally relevant solutions, particularly in low-resource settings.
India’s Role in Global Health
India’s Ministry of Ayush promotes evidence-based traditional medicine through research, policy, and international collaboration. The National AYUSH Mission strengthens infrastructure for traditional healthcare, while initiatives like Ayush Arogya Mandirs integrate traditional and modern medicine. India’s leadership in hosting global summits and establishing platforms like GFTM underscores its commitment to reshaping.