Modi: Build Trust In Traditional Medicine With Science
The PM would launch several initiatives for AYUSH sector
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that traditional medicine, despite its immense potential and global trust, has not received the recognition it truly deserves and underlined the need to build trust through science.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said traditional healthcare must address not only present needs but also future responsibilities, which he described as a shared global obligation
Modi said traditional medicine is at a decisive turning point, noting that a large section of the world’s population has long depended on it. He stressed that expanding its reach and credibility through scientific validation is a collective responsibility of all nations
Highlighting the outcomes of the three-day summit, he said the consensus reached on key issues reflected the strength of global partnerships. He called for strengthening research, increasing the use of digital technologies, and establishing globally trusted regulatory frameworks to empower traditional medicine
The Prime Minister said the convergence of tradition and technology could significantly enhance global healthcare outcomes. Referring to the summit’s theme, “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being,” he said Ayurveda defines health as balance and warned that many modern diseases stem from lifestyle imbalances, including diet, sleep, work-life balance and emotional health
Modi said restoring balance is not just a global cause but an urgent global necessity, particularly as rapid technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and robotics are set to transform lifestyles in unprecedented ways
Emphasising the importance of evidence-based validation, he cited Ashwagandha as an example, noting that its global demand rose sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said India is committed to advancing such traditional herbs through scientific research and global discussions on safety, quality and usage
At the event, the Prime Minister unveiled the Ayush Mark as a global quality benchmark for Ayush products and services. He also released the WHO technical report on Yoga training, the book “From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush”, and a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Prataprao Jadhav were among those present
