Jan 16 2025
NEW DELHI: From January 10, 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will observe “Ayush Medical Coding and Records Day” annually. This initiative aims to standardise and promote traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (Ayush) on a global scale.
The decision was announced during the 10th World Ayurveda Congress in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, reflecting the growing global recognition of India’s ancient healthcare systems.
The responsibility for this new observance lies with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of Ayush. The CCRAS will oversee the annual event and collaborate with the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), WHO’s key partner for research in traditional medicine in India. The Hyderabad-based NIIMH will help develop a “roadmap for capacity building” and implement the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) for traditional medicine.
According to the Indian government’s Press Information Bureau, these efforts aim to boost the credibility and accessibility of traditional medicine globally. By formalising the classification and coding of health interventions, the initiative is expected to support evidence-based practices and integration with modern healthcare.
A joint statement by the WHO Collaboration Centres, CCRAS, NIIMH, and the Ministry of Ayush highlighted their shared commitment to “advance the standardisation and global integration of ancient medical systems.” The initiative strengthens India’s role as a leader in traditional medicine and enhances international cooperation in the field.
With growing interest in natural health solutions worldwide, the Ayush Medical Coding and Records Day is seen as a vital step in increasing awareness, improving healthcare delivery, and promoting India’s holistic health practices.
