WHO Praises India’s AI Integration in Traditional Medicine
Groundbreaking applications recognized on a global scale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged India’s innovative work in incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its traditional medical systems. The commendation highlights how AI is being used across Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
AI Enhances Traditional Diagnostic Methods
AI-driven diagnostic tools are improving precision through machine learning and deep neural networks. These systems merge time-honored methods like pulse reading and Prakriti assessments, facilitating individualized preventative healthcare. In fact, researchers have found that AI can predict cardiovascular risk from retinal fundus photographs with 70% accuracy (American Heart Association, 2019).
The Ayurgenomics initiative combines Ayurvedic principles with genomics, leveraging AI to pinpoint disease markers and customize health recommendations. Also, AI is instrumental in unraveling the genomic and molecular underpinnings of herbal remedies, connecting ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science.
Digital Library Lauded
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) received praise as a leading global example for protecting indigenous medical heritage.
Modernizing Ancient Texts and Practices
AI-powered resources are streamlining the cataloging and semantic analysis of ancient texts, thereby improving accessibility to therapeutic knowledge. The WHO also acknowledged India’s employment of AI in pinpointing drug action pathways and conducting comparative analyses across different traditional systems.
Moreover, India is developing artificial chemical sensors to assess traditional parameters, such as Rasa, Guna, and Virya, thus modernizing conventional formulations. These advancements promise to standardize and enhance the quality control of traditional medicines.
Government Initiatives Boost Sector
The WHO lauded India’s broader initiatives, including digital platforms for online consultations and efforts to boost digital literacy among Ayush practitioners. Interoperable systems are also being developed to merge traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare.
The Ayush sector’s substantial contribution to India’s economy, with a market size of $43.4 billion USD, underscores its importance in fueling economic growth. **Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s** vision of harnessing AI for social development has been a major catalyst for India’s progress in this arena.
Ministers Applaud Recognition
**Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav**, hailed the WHO recognition, affirming India’s dedication to advancing traditional medicine via technology. According to **Jadhav**, platforms like the SAHI portal, NAMASTE portal, and Ayush Research Portal are helping India preserve its ancient medical knowledge while paving the way for personalized, evidence-based healthcare.
Digital Health Platform Underpins Initiatives
**Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha** emphasized the importance of the Ayush Grid, a digital health platform launched in 2018, which supports citizen-focused initiatives like the SAHI, NAMASTE, and Ayush Research portals. He added that the WHO brief showcases India’s AI-driven innovations.
From predictive diagnostics using Prakriti-based machine learning to the pioneering Ayurgenomics project, which melds Ayurveda with modern genomics, **Mr. Kotecha** stated that these initiatives are preserving and validating traditional knowledge while promoting its integration globally.
