WHO unveils roadmap for AI use in traditional medicine
AI in traditional medicine
' was released on Friday.
It mentions several initiatives taken by India to utilise AI and other digital tools for promotion of traditional systems of medicine.
These include creation of the
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
(TKDL) to digitise text-based formulations of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and practices of Yoga and a project called
Ayurgenomics
that aims to blend Ayurvedic principles with modern genomics.
Ayush secretary Rajesh Kotecha said India had proposed the formation of an AI-in-Traditional-Medicine in the Global Initiative in AI for Health (GI-AI4H), which was accepted by partner nations. "Now, we are actively working with international bodies to set global AI standards for traditional medicine," he said.
The WHO technical brief provides a forward-looking roadmap for AI-enabled research, diagnostics and personalised treatment pathways in traditional medicine sector.
Kotecha said that based on this roadmap, the ministry of Ayush is developing indigenous AI chatbots to support practitioners and patients, thereby accelerating the modernisation and global reach of traditional medicine. "The Ayush Grid is deploying AI-powered tools - predictive systems and yoga recommendation - for personalised and citizen-centric healthcare," he said.
Union minister of state (IC), Ayush ministry, Prataprao Jadhav said the recognition of India's AI-driven initiatives in the WHO's technical brief is a testament to the dedication of the country's scientists to advancing traditional medicine by integrating it with the latest technology.
"Through the integration of AI with Ayush systems, India is not only preserving its rich medical heritage but also setting new benchmarks in personalised and evidence-based healthcare for the world," Jadhav said.
One of the standout features of the WHO brief is the mention of Ayurgenomics, a scientific breakthrough that combines genomics with Ayurvedic principles.
This initiative aims to identify predictive disease markers and personalise health recommendations by using AI-based analysis of Ayurvedic constitution types. The document also highlights efforts to decode the genomic and molecular basis of herbal formulations for repurposing in modern disease conditions-a major leap in integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary science.
India's initiatives to digitise traditional knowledge are being praised as global models for the preservation and responsible use of indigenous medical heritage.
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