World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday emphasised the importance of an integrated and inclusive healthcare approach, stating that traditional medicine and modern science can work together, as the Second WHO Global Summit held from 17th to 19th December at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Traditional Medicine concluded.
The summit, jointly organised by the WHO and the Government of India, began on Wednesday and brought together ministers, scientists, indigenous representatives and traditional medicine practitioners from more than 100 countries. Discussions focused on the role of traditional medicine within contemporary healthcare systems.
Speaking at the closing session, Dr Tedros highlighted the continued relevance of traditional medicine in addressing present-day health challenges, including rising healthcare costs and unequal access to services. He noted that traditional medical practices could contribute to easing pressures on health systems when applied appropriately.
Referring to India’s approach, the WHO Director-General said the country has demonstrated that traditional knowledge and modern scientific methods can complement each other rather than exist in opposition.
Dr Tedros also outlined the key outcomes of the summit, stating that participants reached consensus on several priority areas. These include ensuring safety, quality and public confidence through appropriate and risk-based regulatory frameworks, as well as protecting biodiversity and traditional knowledge while respecting cultural heritage, intellectual property rights and equitable benefit-sharing.
He added that there was agreement on the responsible use of digital technologies and innovation to improve research, data generation and access, along with the integration of safe and effective traditional medicine practices into healthcare systems, including the private sector.
Concluding his address, Dr Tedros called for sustained global cooperation, stressing the need for healthcare systems that are integrated, inclusive and evidence-informed to support healthier societies in the future.
