Gandhinagar, Tuesday: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Global Centre
for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar today, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Mauritius
Mr. Pravind Jugnauth and Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom.
Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Mansukhbhai
Mandaviya, Mahendra Munjapara and representatives of various countries, including invitees, were also
present on the occasion.
With the establishment of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, an era of traditional
healing methods has begun around the world. This is not just a stone laying program but also the
beginning of a leading centre for those who believe in natural-traditional healing methods. It will help
the world in giving an alternative medical solution, added PM.
The establishment of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) is a partnership between the
World Health Organization and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India to fulfill its responsibility to
serve humanity. In the upcoming twenty-five years, traditional medicine will become important for
every family in the world.
Prime Minister set down five goals for the successful implementation of GCTM. First, to create a
database of traditional knowledge system using technology; second, GCTM can create international
standards for testing and certification of traditional medicines so that confidence in these medicines
improves. Third, GCTM should evolve as a platform where global experts of traditional medicines come
together and share experiences. He also asked the centre to explore the possibility of an annual
traditional medicine festival. Fourth, GCTM should mobilize funding for research in the field of
traditional medicines. Fifth, GCTM should develop protocols for holistic treatment of specific diseases so
that patients could benefit from both traditional and modern medicine.
Expressing happiness on the venue of the WHO Center, The Prime Minister said “Jamnagar’s
contributions towards wellness will get a global identity with WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional
Medicine.” Shri Modi said that more than five decades ago the world’s first Ayurvedic University was
established in Jamnagar. The city has a quality Ayurvedic institute in Institute of Teaching and Research
in Ayurveda.
Indian way of life through Ayurveda prefers a balanced diet, body-mind balance, as well as a yoga-
pranayama-based routine. This knowledge of India will go a long way in the development of traditional
medical practices here.
Prime Minister thanked Dr. Tedros for his kind words and said that he has now handed over this global
centre to India. Prime Minister also thanked the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Shri Pravind Jugnauth for
sending his wishes for the success of GCTM.
Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel said that, under the guidance of Prime Minister, the ancient
heritage of Indian knowledge-traditional healing methods of Yoga-Ayurveda is being presented in a
different form today for the purpose of global health protection. With the establishment of the Global
Centre for Traditional Medicine, the motto ‘Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya’ will come true.
sIndia has a wealth of ancient traditional therapies like Yoga-Ayurveda. The centre would be an
international platform for exchanging knowledge on 138 traditional medical practices from around the
world, added CM.
The government under the leadership of the Prime Minister has decided to combine Ayurveda, Yoga and
other AYUSH practices with the public health system. The important task of connecting this ancient
knowledge with modern science in the 21st century will be undertaken by this Global Centre.
With the establishment of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine has enhanced India’s soft power in
the world community due to the efforts of Prime Minister to promote the Indian tradition of Yoga-
Ayurveda. CM added that the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine will be operational for the whole
world as a family, for everyone’s health and well-being. The Prime Minister has permanently marked
Jamnagar-Gujarat on the map of Global Health Facilities.
Mauritius Prime Minister Mr. Pravind Jugnauth:-
Natural substances like herbs, minerals have been used for centuries to heal the human body. GCTM It
will continue to be an authoritative and trustworthy centre for the promoting human knowledge. He
said that Indian therapies have been implemented in Mauritius since the 1934, Moreover Ayurveda is
the only method of treatment available there. Explaining its role he said that every year Dhanteras is
celebrated as Ayurveda Day throughout Mauritius. He expressed his gratitude to India for involving
Mauritius in the event.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Smt Sheikh Hasina:-
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Smt Sheikh Hasina virtually conveyed her message by saying that, the
combination of traditional medicine and modern science could face new health challenges. Unani,
Ayurvedic, Homeopathic remedies are widely used in Bangladesh, she added.
Bhutan Prime Minister Mr. Lotay Tshering:-
Bhutan Prime Minister Mr. Lotay Tshering virtually said that, Due to hilly areas and forestry in Bhutan
there is a wider scope for the practice of traditional medicine. An integrated model of allopathy with
traditional medicine is ideal for overall health care, he added.
Nepal Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba:-
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on its way to become a global hub
of natural medicine. He thanked the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the establishment of the
Global Centre which would turn out to be great service to world health.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom:-
The creation of this Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India is becoming possible due to the
competent leadership and commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The new centre will be
useful for health care around the world, through natural remedies, he added. He said that the centre at
Jamnagar is an IPR centre for traditional medicine. It will be helpful in determining, conducting research
and analysis, accumulating and nurturing reliable information, using innovation, technology and artificial
intelligence. He added that through GCTM, Government, Medical Practitioners and Academicians will
come on one platform as well as people from all over the world will come to Jamnagar, India and this
centre of Jamnagar-India will reach out to the world. He also assured full cooperation from WHO in the
coming days for the development of GCTM.
Union Minister of AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal:-
Union Minister of AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that, The World Health Organization (WHO) has
taken a big step towards global health protection by establishing a global centre of traditional medicine
in India amidst the difficult times of pandemic.
On this occasion Minister of Agriculture Shri Raghavji Patel, Minister of Health Shri Rushikesh Patel, MP
Smt Bharti Shiyal, Smt Poonam Maadam, MLA Shri R.C. Faldu, Shri Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Pranami
Sampraday’s Shri Krishnamani Maharaj, Mayor Smt Bina Kothari, District Panchayat President Shri
Dharamsinh Chaniara, Chief Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar were present.
