The event will provide a platform for experts and practitioners to explore the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based knowledge in the sector, with the overarching goal of ensuring health and well-being for all

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Gujarat on Wednesday to participate in a series of health and medicine conventions. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who bestowed upon him the Gujarati name ‘Tulsi bhai’.

“My good friend Tulsi Bhai is clearly well prepared for Navratri! Welcome to India, @DrTedros!” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The WHO chief expressed his appreciation for being referred to as a ‘pucca Gujarati’.

A groundbreaking two day global summit on Traditional Medicine, organized by the WHO and co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, will start today in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event will provide a platform for experts and practitioners to explore the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based knowledge in the sector, with the overarching goal of ensuring health and well-being for all.

The distinguished WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will inaugurate the event in the presence of Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The event is expected to be graced by G20 health ministers, WHO Regional Directors, and eminent attendees from countries across WHO’s six regions. The guest list includes scientists, traditional medicine practitioners, healthcare workers, and members of civil society organizations, Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Union Minister of State for Ayush, revealed during a press conference in New Delhi.

Dr Munjpara explained during the press conference that the summit’s outcome will lead to a declaration that will aid the WHO in shaping the future of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.

“This event follows the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar last year, marking a significant step forward for our country’s various traditional medicine systems,” he said. “Through the fusion of traditional practices with contemporary approaches, guided by visionary policies and digital initiatives, India has showcased a pathway for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through traditional medicine systems.”

Manoj Jhalani, Director of the Department of Health Systems Development at the WHO South East Asia Regional Centre, highlighted that the summit’s aim is to develop a roadmap towards a more holistic and healthier world for future generations. This will be achieved by recognizing the interplay between human health, planetary harmony, and technological advancement.

A lineup of distinguished speakers will lead discussions on key focus areas, including research, evidence, and learning; policy, data, and regulation; innovation and digital health; and biodiversity, equity, and traditional healthcare knowledge.

Another highlight of the event will be an exhibition showcasing traditional medicine systems from around the world, presented by the Ministry of Ayush. This exhibition will demonstrate the global scope of Traditional Medicine and highlight its interconnectedness with the natural environment, symbolized by the ‘Kalpavriksha’. It will also showcase scientific and technological advancements led by various WHO regional centers and the Ministry of Ayush.

Rahul Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, provided an in-depth presentation outlining the event’s salient features and the exhibition by WHO regional centers and the Ayush exhibition zone. The theme for the Ayush exhibition zone is ‘Ayush for Planetary Health & Wellbeing’. This zone will showcase the prowess of WHO regional centers and underscore Ayush’s effectiveness and the rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. The exhibition will feature captivating experiential and interactive kiosks.

The Ministry has also arranged yoga and meditation sessions at the Convention Centre. These sessions will also be available at hotel venues, along with short yoga breaks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre between sessions.

Also read : WHO chief, G20 health ministers to attend Traditional Medicine Global Summit in Gujarat