India’s trailblazing path: A decade of progress in Traditional Medicine and advancing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy (2014–2023)

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates safe and effective use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) globally. After the World Health Assembly resolution 62.13 on Traditional Medicine (TM), the WHO launched the WHO TM Strategy 2002–2005. As a corollary, the WHO TM Strategy 2014–2023 focuses on the optimization of TM towards health and wellness while ensuring safety through robust regulation, evidence-based research, and informed integration into health systems. India has made impactful progress in incorporating TM into its national healthcare framework through its strategies of mainstreaming and integration. This policy review aims to showcase India’s policy endeavours at aligning these efforts with the directives of the TM Strategy 2014–2023. Under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the success has been drawn from the edifice of a robust network of quality infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The integration of evidence-based Ayush into the national health system, aligning with Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals, marks a significant transformation in India’s healthcare landscape. India’s approach to integration, which fosters partnerships with various stakeholders, leverages research and technology, and modernizes Ayush practices, has enabled progress in expanding healthcare solutions. This reflects a commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare for its diverse population while embracing its rich cultural heritage.