Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India and WHO have signed a Donor Agreement

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the World Health Organization signed a Donor Agreement during a signing ceremony organized at WHO Headquarters in Geneva on 31^st July 2024. The agreement outlines the financial terms for implementing the activities of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The agreement was signed by H.E Mr. Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Geneva, and Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course on behalf of the Ministry of Ayush and WHO respectively.

Through this collaboration, the Government of the Republic of India will donate US$ 85 million over 10 years (2022-2032) to support the operations of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The Donor agreement recognizes the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre as a key knowledge hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) aiming to advance the health and well-being of people and the planet.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat is the first and only global out-posted Centre (office) for traditional medicine across the globe. The interim office of the WHO-GTMC is working on developing capacity-building and training programs relevant to its objectives. These programs will include campus-based, residential or web-based training, in partnership with the WHO Academy and other strategic partners.

The Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with WHO on various fronts. These collaborative efforts, including those involving the WHO GTMC, will help India position traditional medicine globally. The joint efforts of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India & WHO aim to contribute to the global health agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through Traditional Medicine.