How is India Enhancing Its Collaboration with Germany on Traditional Medicine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and Germany are collaborating on traditional medicine.
- Key discussions included regulatory approvals and patient access.
- The AYUSH Ministry has signed 25 international MoUs.
- Traditional medicine sector revenue has significantly increased.
- Exports of AYUSH products have surged to $1.54 billion.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) India has significantly advanced its collaboration with Germany in the realm of traditional and integrative healthcare, as stated by the Ministry of Ayush.
The two nations convened during the third Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Alternative Medicine, hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany, from November 18 to 20 in Berlin.
“The talks focused on three essential pillars -- incorporating traditional medicine into public health systems, establishing reimbursement pathways for patient access, and enhancing regulatory approval processes,” the Ministry reported.
These discussions highlight the mutual dedication of both countries to promote evidence-based and people-centered traditional medicine practices.
Key activities during the visit included engaging with the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University to delve into collaborative research opportunities and advance the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Ayush.
Other notable engagements included Community Hospital Havelhöhe - Clinic for Anthroposophic Medicine, which involved reviewing integrative care and research methodologies, as well as discussions with the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) concerning insurance and reimbursement mechanisms pertinent to traditional medicine.
This initiative underscores the Ministry of Ayush’s strategic vision to globalize AYUSH systems, build strong frameworks for evidence-based integration, and fortify high-value international partnerships that expand India’s presence in the global traditional medicine arena.
The Ministry emphasized that ongoing collaboration with Germany will expedite research, regulatory harmonization, and patient access to integrative healthcare solutions grounded in safety, quality, and scientific validation.
The AYUSH Ministry has formalized approximately 25 bilateral Memorandums of Understanding to bolster traditional medicine.
India's traditional medicine sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, growing nearly eightfold in under a decade.
“Revenues from the manufacturing sector have surged from ₹21,697 crore in 2014-15 to over ₹1.37 lakh crore today, while the services sector has generated ₹1.67 lakh crore in revenue,” stated Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, highlighting the increasing significance of traditional medicine.
Exports of AYUSH and herbal products have also seen a rise, amounting to $1.54 billion across more than 150 countries, as noted by Jadhav.