The World Health Organization’s initiative to incorporate Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani interventions into the International Classification of Health Interventions represents a significant advancement in the recognition and standardization of traditional medicine globally.
New Delhi—In a landmark decision, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the formal integration of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) systems into the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). This effort aims to standardize the documentation and comparison of healthcare practices, thereby facilitating the global acceptance of traditional medicine.
This decision emerged from a two-day technical meeting held in Delhi on December 20 and 21, 2025. The meeting is part of an ongoing collaboration between WHO and India’s Ministry of Ayush, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May. Under this agreement, India is providing both financial and technical assistance to develop a dedicated module for Traditional Medicine within the ICHI framework.
The Importance of Standardization
Intervention coding is essential because it provides a common language for healthcare practices, enabling countries to communicate effectively about the care they deliver. Unlike disease classifications, which focus on identifying illnesses, intervention codes detail the specific treatments administered. By integrating ASU therapies into ICHI, health systems can systematically record, analyze, and compare these traditional approaches with modern medical practices, enhancing the understanding of their efficacy and applicability.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed this initiative, emphasizing the need for standardization to enhance the scientific credibility of AYUSH systems worldwide. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, remarked that the establishment of a dedicated ICHI module would further WHO’s goals of promoting inclusive, safe, and evidence-based healthcare. He added that this integration will significantly increase the visibility of Indian traditional medicine on the global stage.
Meeting Highlights
The technical meeting was chaired by Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, and included participation from key figures in the field. Representatives from the three central research councils—CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences), CCRS (Central Council for Research in Siddha), and CCRUM (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine)—also attended. Classification experts from WHO headquarters, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre located in Jamnagar, and the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in Delhi contributed their expertise, along with delegates from various member states, including Bhutan, Brazil, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These discussions were pivotal in shaping the framework and operational guidelines for the integration process, reflecting a collaborative effort to harmonize traditional and modern healthcare practices.
Future Prospects for Traditional Medicine
Health officials have assured that the project will adhere to strict scientific timelines, with the completion of the new coding sets anticipated to enhance clinical research and support evidence-based policy decisions. The integration of ASU systems into national health information systems is expected to represent a significant shift from parallel practice to formal global integration of traditional medicine.
This initiative aligns with a growing recognition of the importance of traditional medicine within contemporary healthcare frameworks. As nations increasingly seek to incorporate diverse medical practices into their health systems, the WHO’s efforts may serve as a valuable model for similar initiatives worldwide. This trend underscores a broader movement toward a more inclusive approach to health that acknowledges the contributions of both traditional and modern medical practices.
Implications for Global Health
The recognition of ASU therapies as legitimate components of healthcare could have far-reaching implications. It may enhance the legitimacy of traditional medicine, providing patients with a wider array of treatment options while also fostering improved health outcomes across diverse populations. Furthermore, this initiative could stimulate investment and research in traditional medicine, leading to innovations that benefit both practitioners and patients.
As the process of integration unfolds, stakeholders in the healthcare sector are optimistic that this initiative will foster greater collaboration between traditional and modern medical systems. By embracing a dual approach to healthcare, the WHO aims to address the complex health needs of populations around the world, ensuring that patients have access to a comprehensive range of therapies that integrate the wisdom of traditional practices with the advancements of modern medicine.
In conclusion, the WHO’s initiative is a pivotal moment for the global health community, signaling a commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of diverse medical traditions. This integration not only enhances the credibility of traditional systems but also represents a significant step toward a holistic approach to health that benefits all.
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