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Context: The Collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant stride toward integrating Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) into global healthcare.

Key aspects and objectives

Agreement Objectives

• Standardization and Integration: The primary goal is to standardize Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems, emphasizing their quality, safety, and integration into the National Health System, extending these practices globally.
• Alignment with Global Strategy: The collaboration aligns with the Traditional Medicine Global Strategy 2025-34, co-developed by WHO and supported by the Ministry of Ayush, aiming to elevate these medical systems within national health frameworks.

Specific Focus Areas

• Bridge with National Health System: Efforts are directed towards connecting T&CM with India's National Health System, ensuring their mainstream acceptance and contribution to global health objectives.
• Training and Practice Enhancement: Specific emphasis is placed on strengthening training and practice within the Complementary Medicine System, particularly focusing on Siddha.
• Guideline Formulation and Safety Protocols: Development of guidelines for listing Traditional and Complementary Medicines, safety protocols, and related measures are outlined for implementation.
• International Herbal Pharmacopoeia: The collaborative effort includes the development of an International Herbal Pharmacopoeia concentrating on herbs found in Southeast Asia, aiming to establish standardized references.

Impact and Expectations

• Recognition and Global Healthcare Standing: The Indian Union Ayush Minister highlighted the potential of this collaboration to enhance India's global healthcare standing, particularly in fostering medical tourism.
• Anticipated Milestones: The Ayush Secretary expects the initial phase (2023-2028) to be pivotal in the global development of Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems.
• Inclusion in the National Health System: The Assistant Director General of WHO, believes this collaboration will integrate T&CM into India's National Health System, furthering global healthcare and well-being goals. 

International Commitment and Support

• United Nations Representation: India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Indra Mani Pandey, reiterated India's commitment to strengthening Traditional Medicine Systems globally, especially in supporting developing countries with their traditional medicine systems.
• Previous Collaborations: This marks the third collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO, following earlier agreements focusing on promoting various Traditional Medical systems globally.

Conclusion

• This collaborative agreement holds promise for not only India but also for the global healthcare landscape, aiming to enhance the acceptance, safety, and integration of traditional and complementary medical practices on an international scale.

Must Read Articles:

75 Years Of World Health Organisation: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/75-years-of-world-health-organisation

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/who-global-summit-on-traditional-medicine

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/who-global-summit-on-traditional-medicine

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How can Traditional and Complementary Medicine be effectively integrated into global healthcare to improve patient well-being? What challenges exist in harmonizing these practices with conventional medicine, and what strategies can ensure a balanced and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare worldwide?