WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM)

• IAS NEXT, Lucknow
• 22, Apr 2022

Reference News:-

It was recently unveiled in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

• It will be the first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world.

Significance:

For many regions of the world, traditional medicine is the first line of treatment. This centre will help in providing better medical solutions to the world with the support of traditional medicines.

• At the centre, the main areas will be research and leadership, evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity and innovation and technology. 

Need for:

According to WHO estimates, 80% of the world’s population uses traditional medicine.

• 170 of its 194 WHO Member States have reported the use of traditional medicine.
• These member states have asked for its support in creating a body of “reliable evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and products”.

What is traditional medicine?

The WHO describes traditional medicine as the total sum of the “knowledge, skills and practices indigenous and different cultures have used over time to maintain health and prevent, diagnose and treat physical and mental illness”.

• Its reach encompasses ancient practices such as acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine and herbal mixtures as well as modern medicines. 

Traditional medicine in India:

1. Ayurveda and yoga are practised widely across the country.
2. The Siddha system is followed predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
3. The Sowa-Rigpa system is practised mainly in Leh-Ladakh and Himalayan regions such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Lahaul & Spiti. 

Challenges faced by traditional medicine:

• National health systems and strategies do not yet fully integrate traditional medicine workers, accredited courses and health facilities.
• About 40% of approved pharmaceutical products today derive from natural substances. This raises issues surrounding environmental conservation.