In a move that recognises India’s contribution and potential of Indian traditional medicine in the global market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the first-of-its-kind WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The GCTM will be the first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world.
It will emerge as an international hub of global wellness, Modi said, adding that, “India takes this partnership as a huge responsibility for serving the entire humanity.”
Expressing happiness at the venue of the WHO Centre, he said, “Jamnagar's contributions towards wellness will get a global identity with WHO's Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
“More than five decades ago, the world's first Ayurvedic University was established in Jamnagar. The city has a quality Ayurvedic institute in the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda."
He also emphasised that staying disease-free may be an important part of life but the ultimate goal has to be wellness. The importance of wellness, said the Prime Minister, was keenly felt during the pandemic period. "The world is looking for a new dimension of health care delivery today. I am happy that by giving the slogan 'One planet our health' WHO has promoted the Indian vision of 'One Earth, One Health'."
The Prime Minister said, "India's traditional medicine system is not limited to treatment. It is a holistic science of life. Ayurveda goes beyond just healing and treatment.
"Ayurveda is taken as the knowledge of life and it has been deemed as the fifth Veda".
Modi said good health is directly related to a balanced diet.
He explained that our ancestors considered diet as half of the treatment and our medical systems are replete with dietary advice. The Prime Minister said it is a matter of immense pride for India that 2023 has been chosen as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations. He said this step will prove to be beneficial for humanity.
The Prime Minister also noted the rising demand for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani formulations globally as many countries are stressing the traditional medicine for dealing with the pandemic.
Similarly, "Yoga is gaining popularity across the world, being useful in fighting diseases like diabetes, obesity, and depression. Yoga is also helping people in reducing mental tension and finding balance in mind-body and consciousness."
The Prime Minister laid down five goals for the new Center. "First, to create a database of traditional knowledge systems using technology; second, GCTM can create international standards for testing and certification of traditional medicines so that confidence in these medicines improves.
"Third, GCTM should evolve as a platform where global experts of traditional medicines come together and share experiences. He also asked the centre to explore the possibility of an annual traditional medicine festival. Fourth, GCTM should mobilise funding for research in the field of traditional medicines."
