PM Modi Unveils WHO South-East Asia Office in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the new WHO-South East Asian Regional Office Complex in Delhi on December 15, 2023, during the ongoing second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine. This complex also houses the WHO India Country Office, marking a significant advancement in India’s collaboration with the World Health Organisation.

The summit, held from December 17 to 19, 2023, at Bharat Mandapam, is jointly organised by the World Health Organisation and the Union Ministry of Ayush. It aims to facilitate discussions among global leaders, policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and civil society representatives on creating equitable and sustainable health systems driven by evidence.

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi released a WHO technical report focused on training in Yoga and a publication titled “From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush.” He also recognised the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga for the years 2021-2025. These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated a profound commitment to promoting Yoga globally.

The Prime Minister remarked that the awards reaffirm Yoga’s status as a timeless practice that fosters balance, well-being, and harmony, contributing to a healthier and stronger New India.

In addition to the formal proceedings, PM Modi visited the Traditional Medicine Discovery Space, an exhibition that highlights the rich diversity and contemporary relevance of Traditional Medicine knowledge systems, not only from India but across the globe. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare frameworks.

The summit has already seen intense discussions focusing on the integration of traditional medicine into national health systems, the need for sustainable practices, and promoting evidence-based approaches to health. As traditional medicine gains traction worldwide, the event serves as a platform for sharing insights and strategies that can enhance health outcomes through multi-faceted approaches.

With this inauguration, India steps further into the global spotlight as a leader in traditional medicine, showcasing its commitment to health innovation and cultural heritage while collaborating with the World Health Organisation for improved health systems in the South-East Asian region.