WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (WHO GCTM)

Why in the News?

• The WHO-India donor agreement is part of a $250 million investment from India in support of the establishment of the WHO GCTM in 2022, which includes financial support for the work plan of the Centre, interim premises and a new building.

About WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (WHO GCTM):

• WHO GCTM in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is a knowledge centre for traditional medicine.
• The Indian Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the centre in the presence of the WHO Director-General in April 2022.
• It is the first global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the globe and was established under the Ministry of AYUSH. 
• The primary objective of WHO GCTM is to harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the world through modern science and technology and improve the overall health of the communities the world over.  
• It will concentrate on building a solid evidence base for policies and standards on traditional medicine practices and products and help countries integrate it as appropriate into their health systems and regulate its quality and safety for optimal and sustainable impact.
• The new centre focuses on four main strategic areas: 

• Evidence and learning.
• Data and analytics.
• Sustainability and equity.
• Innovation and technology to optimise the contribution of traditional medicine to global health and sustainable development.

• At the same time, respect for local heritages, resources, and rights is a guiding principle.