Union Budget 2026-27 Fuels Major Upgrade for WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar
In a significant move to promote traditional medicine on the global stage, the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 has announced a substantial upgrade for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The finance minister, during her budget speech, emphasized that this enhancement is designed to "bolster evidence-based research, training and global awareness in traditional medicine systems." This initiative underscores India's commitment to integrating ancient healing practices with modern scientific validation.
Boosting Evidence-Based Research and Global Acceptance
Anup Thakkar, the head of the department of panchkarma at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda in Jamnagar, highlighted the transformative impact of this budgetary push. "The WHO center is for research and training, and the budgetary announcement will give it a big push. With evidence-based research in Ayurveda, that too backed by WHO, it will give global acceptance to Ayurveda," he stated. This upgrade is expected to accelerate studies that validate the efficacy of traditional remedies, thereby enhancing their credibility worldwide.
Standardization and Benefits for Stakeholders
Thakkar further elaborated on the broader implications of the upgrade, noting that it will facilitate the standardization of Ayurvedic drugs. "It will help in standardization of Ayurveda drugs. Farmers who grow the herbs will also be benefited. It's already proven that Ayurvedic medicines are pro nature and do not have side effects," he added. This move is poised to create a more structured and reliable supply chain, benefiting not only practitioners and patients but also the agricultural community involved in cultivating medicinal herbs.
Background and Vision of the GTMC
Established in 2023, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is envisioned as a world-class research and development facility dedicated to traditional medicine systems. According to the WHO website, India has committed $250 million to this ambitious project. The centre is already operational, fostering international and national collaborations to advance the field. This budgetary enhancement aligns with its mission to become a hub for innovation and education in traditional healthcare.
The upgrade announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 marks a pivotal step in strengthening India's leadership in traditional medicine. By investing in evidence-based research and global outreach, the initiative aims to position Ayurveda and other indigenous systems at the forefront of holistic health solutions, contributing to both public health and economic growth.
