In the presence of Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lay the foundation stone of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Tuesday.
The GCTM will be the first of its kind, serving as a worldwide outpost center for traditional medicine.
Mr. Ghebreyesus described the center as a truly global enterprise, with 107 WHO member countries having their own governmental offices, implying that the world will look to India for its traditional medicine leadership.
Traditional remedies products are abundant over the world, he said, and the institute would help bring their potential to fruition. Traditional medicine is the first line of therapy in many parts of the world.
WHO complimented Modi for his leadership
“The center will prioritize data, innovation, and sustainability while also maximizing the use of traditional medicine,” says the statement. Research and leadership, evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equity, and innovation and technology will be at the core. He complimented Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in assisting with the center’s establishment. PM Modi also complimented WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, for his personal involvement in the initiative.
“The World Health Organization’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine recognizes India‘s contribution and promise in this field. Mr. Modi stated, “India regards this collaboration as a major duty to serve humanity as a whole.” He further stated that Jamnagar was chosen for the new facility because it was the site of the world’s first Ayurvedic University, which was established more than 50 years ago.
Ayurveda has a high-quality teaching and research institute in the city. The Prime Minister, speaking on Ayurveda’s rich legacy, stated that it encompasses social health, mental health–happiness, environmental health, sympathy, compassion, and productivity, in addition to healing and treatment. “Ayurveda is considered the fifth Veda and is considered the wisdom of life,” he stated.
Before addressing the function, the Prime Minister paid a visit to Jamnagar’s erstwhile royal family and met Jam Shatrushalyasinh Jadeja. Jamnagar was one of India’s largest princely republics before Independence.