PM Modi to Unveil World’s First Digital Traditional Medicine Library

Prime Minister Modi is set to launch the world’s first digital “global traditional medicine library” during the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit next month. This significant event is scheduled for December 17-19, 2023, and will take place in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as confirmed by Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, in an exclusive interview.

According to Dr. Kotecha, this digital library will house an impressive 2.5 million publications, consolidating a vast array of information on traditional medicine. He noted that the initiative was inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s remarks at the recent BRICS Summit, where he emphasized the need for a global repository of traditional medical knowledge.

“India has launched the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative to ensure nationwide access to academic journals,” Dr. Kotecha explained. He further proposed the establishment of a BRICS Science and Research Repository to benefit nations in the Global South. This vision aligns with the broader objectives of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) inaugurated in 2022 by Modi and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Global Participation and Innovations at the Summit

The upcoming summit has attracted significant global interest, with confirmations from over a dozen health ministers and delegations from more than 100 countries. Dr. Kotecha stated that health ministers from more than 20 countries will attend the event, making it the largest gathering focused on traditional medicine worldwide.

In collaboration with the WHO and the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of AYUSH is committed to ensuring the summit yields both scientific advancements and diplomatic outcomes. “India will showcase innovations from research councils, digital health platforms, and global collaborations,” said Dr. Kotecha.

Among the innovations to be unveiled is an artificial intelligence-powered bot designed to interpret classical texts and present them in a more accessible manner. This tool is still in the beta phase and aims to enhance understanding of traditional medicine among the general public.

Other initiatives being prepared for launch include a digital global botanical database, geospatial biodiversity tools, digital pharmacopoeias, and quality-control systems. Dr. Kotecha emphasized that logistical planning and security measures are being implemented at the highest levels to ensure a world-class experience for attendees.

The digital traditional medicine library is poised to become a vital resource, promoting the exchange of knowledge and collaboration in the field of traditional medicine globally. As the summit approaches, stakeholders are eager to see the advancements and discussions that will shape the future of healthcare practices rooted in tradition.