India, WHO ink pact to promote yoga, ayurveda

India has signed an agreement with World Health Organisation for cooperation in promoting traditional medicine, a move which will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in yoga, ayurveda, unani and panchakarma.

"AYUSH Ministry and WHO have signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine," an official statement said.

The PCA was signed by AYUSH Ministry secretary Ajit M Sharan and Marie Kieny, Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Innovations, WHO in Geneva yesterday.

The agreement titled 'Co-operation on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine between WHO and AYUSH, India, 2016-2020', aims to support WHO in the development and implementation of the 'WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy: 2014-2023.

It will also contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian systems of medicine.

"The PCA for the period 2016-2020 will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma.

"These will contribute significantly in strengthening of national capacities in ensuring quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and practice and promote their integration in national healthcare systems," the statement said.

Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Director-General, WWHO Margaret Chan witnessed the agreement signing ceremony at the WHO headquarters.

Speaking at a reception hosted by India, Naik recalled the long history and rich heritage of traditional medicine in India and its growing relevance in providing holistic and comprehensive health care.  

Naik also reiterated the high priority attached by the Indian government for promotion of traditional medicine both in India and abroad and highlighted the numerous initiatives undertaken to integrate AYUSH in the country's national health programmes to achieve universal health coverage.

"India, in fact, sets a unique example for adopting a pluralistic healthcare delivery system that allows every recognised medical system to develop and be practiced with a view to provide integrated and holistic healthcare services," he said.

The statement further said the agreement with WHO is further recognition of India's rich experience in the development and governance of traditional medicine.

It will pave the way for India's long-term collaboration with WHO in fostering  global promotion and integration of AYUSH medicine systems including inclusion of ayurveda and unani in the international classification of diseases and the international classification of health interventions.