Statement by Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN and other IOs on Agenda item 13.8 – Country intervention for the draft of WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, at 78th World Health Assembly (19-27 May 2025)
Thank you, Madam Chair.
India welcomes the draft WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which builds on the progress of the 2014–2023 Strategy to strengthen the safe, effective, and evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into health systems. We congratulate the TCI Unit for the consultations and look forward to adoption of the Strategy.
India remains firmly committed to the goal of “Health for All” and has successfully integrated traditional systems – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, and Siddha – into its public healthcare model, delivering holistic, equitable and affordable health care to millions.
A testimony to our commitment is the hosting of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat—established through India’s collaboration with WHO—to advance research, policy, and innovation in traditional medicine globally.
India reaffirms its strong support for the WHO TM Strategy 2025–2034 and will continue to collaborate with Member States to ensure quality, safe, and equitable access to Traditional Medicine, as part of universal health coverage.
Thank you.
(26 May 2025)
