Delhi, 11 May (H.S.): The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM), held on May 9, 2025, at the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, successfully convened representatives from various nations dedicated to enhancing traditional medicine’s role in global healthcare. This meeting built upon the Gujarat Declaration and previous successes, aligning with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and previewing the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in India from December 2-4, 2025.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, delivered a virtual keynote emphasizing India’s dedication to advancing evidence-based traditional medicine globally. He vocalized the significance of traditional medicine in achieving universal health coverage and achieving the goals of One Health and Sustainable Development. Initiatives such as the National AYUSH Mission, the integrative model of Ayush Arogya Mandirs, and collaborations with leading institutions like DBT and ICMR were underscored.

Kotecha also addressed the integration of modern advancements like AI and genomics with traditional medicine, reflecting India’s commitment to preserving traditional knowledge while fostering equitable global health. The GFTM, initiated by India in May 2023, serves as an informal platform for WHO member states to promote the integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems.

The Indian Permanent Mission in Geneva reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing international collaboration on traditional and integrative healthcare solutions in line with WHO guidelines. A high-level side event focused on traditional medicine will occur during the 78th World Health Assembly on May 23, 2025.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar