In an important interaction with G20 engagement groups held at New Delhi, the stakeholders had a clear and emphatic view that efforts of Government of India has brought Traditional Medicine at the forefront of G20 discussion on Health and G20 will acknowledge the potential role of Traditional Medicine in addressing health challenges.  

The interactive meet was graced by Amitabh Kant, Sherpa G20, along with Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Lav Agarwal, Additional Secretary, MoHFW, Abhay Thakur, Additional Secretary, MEA, chairs of various engagement groups and other eminent participants.

In his address Kant said, “I greatly appreciate Ministry of Ayush for being at the forefront of actively collaborating with all engagement and working groups. We need to amplify the importance of Ayush practices in achieving Holistic health and Wellbeing.”

He added that “Traditional Medicine” is very important because it has been an integral resource of health for centuries in India, and there is a need to amplify Ayush practices in achieving holistic health and wellbeing. He highlighted that World Health Organisation has come up with a dedicated WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in India, and this center will harness the power of Traditional Medicine. 

Agarwal said, “The world is talking about the concept of integrative health or holistic health in terms of approaching all the health challenges. We have been working in partnership, coordinating among G20 countries and all have a clear view in terms of acceptance of the role traditional medicine plays in health sector”.

It is noteworthy that, from the experience sharing of various experts and senior officials participating in the interaction, there emerged a strong likelihood that the health declaration will have a dedicated mention acknowledging the potential role of the Traditional Medicine.

Kotecha personally complimented the leadership of engagement and working groups for contributing in the area of traditional medicine through their recommendations and insightful deliberations. He said that the main objective was to share contribution of the Ministry of Ayush under India’s G20 presidency and it was achieved successfully. Traditional medicine was effectively highlighted in all health working group meetings and Ministry appreciates these efforts.

While welcoming the august gathering, Rahul Sharma, JS, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the role of Ministry of Ayush in actively building dialogue around Traditional Medicine with various engagement, and working groups of G20.” As the leaders of the world major economies convene for G20 summit, it is imperative to contemplate the pivotal role Traditional Medicine can play in Global social wellness, and contributing in advancing Medical Knowledge and developing new Treatments.”, He said.

Dr. Bhavana Prasher, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR- IGIB highlighted Ayush engagement with G20 engagement groups like Think20, Science20, Startup20, Civil20, Women20, Youth20 and Agriculture20. Chair of respective engagement groups functioning within the purview of India’s G20 presidency talked about coordinated efforts to utilize G20 platform to project India as driver of Global Traditional Medicine and recommendation to achieve this vision.

Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS and Chair T20, Shri Chintan Vaishnav, India Chair, Shri Rajiv Vasudevan, MD & CEO, AyurVaid Hospitals, Dr. Subrata Sinha, Ex VP INSA & Professor AIIMS, Dr. Priya Nair, Working Group Coordinator of Amrita Hospital, Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of AIIA, and Kavita Garg, Joint secretary, Ministry of Ayush were present on this occasion.