Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, inaugurated the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine at Jamnagar on Tuesday, 19 April.
The inauguration in Gujarat's Jamnagar took place in the presence of WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were also present at the ceremony.
"WHO has entered into a new partnership with India as this Centre of Traditional Medicine. It is an honour for both India's contribution and potential in the field of traditional medicine," PM Modi said on Tuesday.
After the inauguration, Ghebreyesus said in a tweet, "Honoured to build the foundations for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We welcome India’s support to this initiative, which will help millions of people access safe and effective treatments."
Sharing a video on the Centre, Modi said in a tweet, "At a time when traditional medicine is picking popularity, this Centre will go a long way in merging the traditional with modern in the quest for a healthier planet."
"GCTM will be the first and only global outpost centre for traditional medicine across the world. It will emerge as an international hub of global wellness," a press release by the prime minister's office had earlier said.
Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects at the Banas Dairy Sankul in Banaskantha.
More About GCTM
A curtain-raiser press conference was organised by the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Gujarat on Monday to discuss two developments in the field of traditional medicine in India – the event of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) and the convening of the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS).
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ayush said, "Both the events will mark a milestone for India's Ayush industry. The Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit presents an opportunity for India to create a global market for Ayurvedic and herbal products. We are standing at the doors of a golden era, where we can capitalize on our traditional knowledge, and use it to serve the world," Mint reported.
He added, "Global Centre for Traditional Medicine represents WHO's and India's outstanding commitment to global health. Standing at the juncture of advanced technology and ancient wisdom, the only way ahead of us is upwards."
(With inputs from Mint.)
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