Has WHO Recognized India’s Integration of AI in Traditional Medicine?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking recognition, the WHO has praised India's innovative approach in integrating AI with traditional medicine systems, particularly the Ayush framework. This acknowledgment signifies a major milestone in the evolution of healthcare in India, showcasing the nation's commitment to preserving its medical heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology. Discover how this remarkable integration is shaping the future of personalized healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- WHO recognizes India's integration of AI in traditional medicine.
- Significant advancements in Ayush systems through technology.
- AI applications in various traditional practices like Ayurveda and Siddha.
- Utilization of digital platforms for healthcare accessibility.
- Commitment to preserving ancient medical wisdom.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized India’s groundbreaking initiatives in merging Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, especially the Ayush systems, as reported by the Ministry of Ayush on Saturday.
This acknowledgment marks a significant achievement for India’s time-honored healthcare practices, with the WHO highlighting the nation’s endeavors to weave digital technologies into traditional medicine systems in its pivotal technical brief titled “AI in Traditional Medicine”.
The acknowledgment follows India’s proposal on this subject, culminating in the creation of the WHO’s first-ever roadmap for utilizing AI in traditional medicine, as stated by the Ministry.
Expressing gratitude for this recognition, the Ministry described it as “a testament to India’s leadership in establishing a robust scientific ecosystem for traditional medicine.”
The AI-centric initiatives noted in the WHO’s technical brief illustrate the profound dedication of Indian scientists to enhance traditional medicine through innovative technology, remarked Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush.
Highlighted initiatives include a variety of AI-driven applications in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, featuring diagnostic support systems that amalgamate traditional techniques like pulse reading, tongue examination, and Prakriti assessment with machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks.
“By merging AI with Ayush systems -- and utilizing pioneering digital platforms such as the SAHI portal, NAMASTE portal, and the Ayush Research Portal -- India is not only preserving its ancient medical wisdom but also pioneering a future of personalized, evidence-based, and globally accessible healthcare,” stated Jadhav.
The WHO brief also highlights Ayurgenomics -- a scientific advancement that fuses genomics with Ayurvedic principles. This initiative aims to pinpoint predictive disease markers and tailor health recommendations through AI-based evaluations of Ayurvedic constitution types.
Moreover, the document underscores efforts to decode the genomic and molecular foundations of herbal formulations for modern disease applications.
“Together, these AI-enhanced platforms are not only safeguarding and validating India’s traditional knowledge systems of medicine but are also facilitating their global integration within evidence-based, digital healthcare frameworks,” expressed Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
The WHO technical brief also commends India’s initiatives to digitize traditional knowledge, such as the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) -- a global benchmark for the conservation and responsible utilization of indigenous medical heritage.
The document further applauds India’s wider efforts in adopting digital platforms for online consultations, promoting digital literacy among Ayush practitioners, and establishing interoperable systems to merge traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare.
Point of View
This recognition by the WHO is a significant endorsement of India's commitment to enhancing its traditional healthcare systems through modern technology. It emphasizes the importance of preserving ancient medical knowledge while integrating it into contemporary practices. This approach not only showcases India's leadership in global healthcare but also offers a model for other nations to follow in harmonizing tradition with innovation.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of WHO acknowledging India's AI integration in traditional medicine?
The WHO's acknowledgment signifies a milestone for India, showcasing its leadership in marrying ancient medical practices with cutting-edge technology, thereby enhancing healthcare accessibility and personalization.
What are the key AI initiatives mentioned by the WHO?
Key initiatives include AI-driven applications in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, featuring diagnostic systems that utilize traditional methods alongside advanced machine learning algorithms.
How does Ayurgenomics contribute to traditional medicine?
Ayurgenomics combines genomics with Ayurvedic principles to identify predictive disease markers and personalize health recommendations, significantly enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatments.
