To ensure access of traditional medicine across the globe, the Union Ministry of AYUSH should work towards getting World Organisation for Traditional Medicine (WOTM) set up under the umbrella of the World Health Organization (WHO), said Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar here on Saturday.
After inaugurating the two-day BRICS Wellness workshop, jointly organised by the Union ministries of AYUSH and External Affairs and the Karnataka government, Mr. Ananth Kumar said the proposal should be mooted through the AYUSH Ministry to WHO after discussion with the Prime Minister.
“India has the potential to meet the traditional medicine needs of the world. Now we are a miniscule part of WHO, but if the WOTM is formed, India will have a major representation in WHO,” the Minister said.
Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for AYUSH, said the Ministry’s objective was to strengthen the existing research institutions and ensure a time-bound research programme on identified diseases for which these systems have an effective treatment. “The focus is on prevention of diseases,” he said.
Karnataka Health Minister K.R. Ramesh Kumar said wellness should not be the prerogative of only the rich. “We should set up a system wherein quality healthcare should be available for all,” he said.
Over 150 delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) are participating in the workshop.
As part of the meet, the Union AYUSH Ministry, in association with the State government and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has organised a four-day arogya expo on Palace Grounds from Saturday. Entry to the fair is free and it will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
‘Mainstream Ayush medicines’
Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Shalini Rajneesh said the Centre should look at mainstreaming of AYUSH medicines and making them available for the common man through Jan Aushadalayas (generic drug stores).
“That way we can ensure traditional medicine is made available to all, especially to those who do not go for it as they don’t get medical reimbursement for it,” she said.
