In a noteworthy gesture towards the integration of traditional medicine, Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo, lauded the visionary approach of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Against the backdrop of a world in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the amalgamation of traditional and allopathic medicine is positioned as a significant stride forward.
Speaking in regard to the G20 Health Ministers meeting convened in Gujarat, Dechen Wangmo conveyed her congratulations to India for its forward-thinking efforts in melding traditional and allopathic healing methodologies. She underscored the critical nature of this convergence as the global community endeavors to reconstruct healthcare systems in the wake of the pandemic.
“The initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spotlight traditional medicine is truly commendable, especially in the context of our ongoing discussions about promoting traditional medicine within the ‘health for all’ agenda,” stated Wangmo, emphasizing the vital role of this initiative.
Bhutan’s unique healthcare system was also brought to light by the minister, which aptly combines both traditional and allopathic practices within the same medical infrastructure. She expounded, “Drawing from the Bhutanese experience, our healthcare system seamlessly integrates traditional and allopathic medicines within a unified framework. This dual approach is manifested within our hospitals, where allopathic and traditional medicine coexist under one roof. Moreover, our traditional medicine practitioners, the Sovie Rippa practitioners, are trained within the same educational institution.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Global Summit, inaugurated in Gandhinagar, placed further emphasis on India’s rich heritage of traditional medicine. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus articulated, “India boasts a rich history of traditional medicine, encompassing practices like Ayurveda and Yoga, which have showcased efficacy in mitigating pain and ailments.”
Tedros, who embarked on his visit to India the previous day, highlighted the escalating global interest in traditional medicinal practices to address diverse issues such as non-communicable diseases, mental health concerns, and a spectrum of health conditions.
Concurrently, the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting, held under the auspices of India’s presidency, commenced its proceedings. The three-day deliberation will be dedicated to advancing three pivotal priorities of the G20 Health Track: proactive measures against health emergencies, bolstering pharmaceutical sector collaborations to enhance accessibility to medical countermeasures, and the evolution of digital health solutions for universal health coverage and the enhancement of healthcare delivery.
