New Delhi, 10 November 2025: The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted an Ambassadors’ Reception in New Delhi as a precursor to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled from 17 to 19 December 2025 in New Delhi. The reception brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomatic representatives to discuss the summit’s vision, global health relevance, and opportunities for multilateral cooperation in advancing evidence-based traditional medicine.
High-Level Participation
The reception was attended by Union Minister of State (IC) Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; and Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs. Senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and WHO were also present, including Dr. Catharina Boehme, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General and Officer-in-Charge, WHO SEARO; Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus, WHO South-East Asia Region; and Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre.
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jadhav stated, “This Summit represents another milestone in our shared pursuit of equitable, accessible, and evidence-based healthcare systems worldwide. Traditional medicine is a repository of cultural identity, community wisdom, and humanity’s collective knowledge of nature and wellbeing. Working closely with WHO and the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, we aim to strengthen research, enhance quality and safety standards, and ensure that the benefits of traditional medicine are available to all.”
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
He emphasized global alignment on holistic and integrative health systems, stating, “ ‘Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing’ reflects our commitment to holistic health and traditional medicine. India, in collaboration with WHO and global partners, is working to strengthen standards, advance research, and ensure quality assurance. We are confident that this global dialogue will foster meaningful international cooperation.”
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus, WHO SEARO
She highlighted the global significance of traditional medicine, stating, “Traditional medicine is an integral part of achieving Health for All. With 170 Member States reporting its use and global frameworks advancing, the momentum behind this sector is stronger than ever. The GTMC in Jamnagar and the Traditional Medicine Global Library represent vital steps toward evidence-informed, people-centred, and holistic healthcare for a healthier, more sustainable future.”
Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs
He remarked, “This gathering marks an important milestone in integrating time-tested healing traditions with contemporary scientific understanding. The shared vision of restoring well-being and balance reflects growing global recognition of traditional medicine in universal health coverage. The Ministry of Ayush has strengthened these systems through research, pharmacovigilance, and global collaborations, including the WHO Global Centre in Jamnagar.”
Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre
Outlining the summit framework, she noted, “The Summit aims to advance a global movement to restore balance for people and the planet, grounded in the science and practice of Traditional Medicine. Guided by the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 (World Health Assembly 78), the Summit will highlight the latest evidence and innovations and address critical issues.”
Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
She provided delegates with an overview of the Summit, detailing expected participation, thematic tracks, key announcements, and partner engagements planned for December 2025.
Closing Remarks by Dr. Catharina Boehme
She concluded, “Traditional medicine is not peripheral to global health—it is integral to realizing the vision of Health for All. We look to countries to champion high-level participation at the Ministerial Roundtable. As we move towards the Summit, let us renew our shared commitment to building accessible, affordable, inclusive, and evidence-based health systems.”
Looking Ahead
The Ambassadors’ Reception reaffirmed the collective commitment to strengthening international cooperation, advancing evidence-based traditional medicine, and shaping a global health ecosystem where traditional knowledge and modern science work in synergy. The Ministry of Ayush encouraged all missions to facilitate active participation from their respective governments at the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in December 2025.