India is preparing to take a major step in global traditional medicine leadership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the world’s first Digital Traditional Medicine Library during the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit.
According to Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, the initiative highlights India’s commitment to merging centuries-old medical knowledge with modern digital systems.
He explained, “This global library is a collation of 2.5 million publications from across countries, putting together under one roof the entire wealth of information on traditional medicine. The library will be India’s digital asset, but it will remain free for all in perpetuity.”
Kotecha noted that the idea originated from PM Modi’s remarks at the July BRICS Summit, where he proposed establishing a global database of traditional knowledge and research.
India will host the second WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit from December 17–19, with delegates from more than 100 countries expected to participate. Over a dozen health ministers have already confirmed attendance, and more than 20 are anticipated to join the event in person. Kotecha described it as “the world’s largest event in traditional medicine.”
The upcoming digital library aims to compile knowledge across Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, naturopathy, herbal sciences, and various indigenous healing traditions. It is designed to give researchers, practitioners, and global institutions streamlined access to verified traditional medical literature through a single platform.
Officials believe the launch will significantly advance global integration of traditional medicine into modern health systems, strengthen evidence-based research, and promote international collaboration in the field.
The initiative is among the key outcomes of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat—an institution created through a joint effort between India and the WHO in 2022.
An official added that India will use the summit to highlight innovations from research councils, digital health platforms, and global partnerships. Extensive planning and security arrangements are underway to ensure a high-caliber international event.
One of the major attractions at the summit will be the preview of an AI-powered tool designed to interpret ancient traditional medicine texts into simple, understandable language. The beta version is currently being trained to simplify classical literature for public and academic use.
The Ministry of AYUSH is also preparing to release a suite of digital resources, including a botanical database, biodiversity mapping tools, digital pharmacopoeias, quality-control frameworks, and research-focused data systems.
The Digital Traditional Medicine Library is expected to position India as a leading global hub for digital traditional medicine knowledge—strengthening the link between ancient practices and modern scientific research.