Today: 7 May 2025
21 July 2023
3 mins read

India, ASEAN promise to consolidate sustainable healthcare systems

The second session of the conference dealt with knowledge sharing on regulatory frameworks, quality control measures, and the integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Ayush along with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Mission to ASEAN organized a conference of India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on traditional medicines in New Delhi on Thursday.

The conference promised to consolidate sustainable and resilient healthcare systems to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage. Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and MoS for Ayush Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai were guests of honour at the conference.

Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, other dignitaries and representatives from ASEAN countries also attended the conference, the Ministry of Ayush said in a press release.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “Glad to attend the Conference on Traditional Medicine between India and ASEAN Countries in presence of Union MoS Shri @DrMunjparaBJP ji and Secretary-General, ASEAN HE Dr Kao Kim Hourn (virtually) in New Delhi.”

A total of 75 delegates from India and ASEAN, including two ASEAN nations participating virtually, attended the conference. In his presidential address, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the conference on traditional medicine between India and ASEAN countries provides a platform to discuss various dimensions of traditional systems of medicine for attaining Sustainable Development Goals and strategizing on modalities for advancing traditional medicine systems.

In the conference, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in the Principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Traditional Medicine Systems have great potential to play a major role in achieving the aim of “One Health”.”

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 12th ASEAN India Summit in Myanmar in 2014 enunciated ‘Act East Policy’, giving a new momentum to the strategic partnership.

Sonowal noted that the ‘Act-East Policy’ emphasises connectivity, commerce and culture, according to the Ministry of Ayush press release.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn joined the conference through a video message. He echoed the sentiments of shared cultural and traditional medicinal practices between India and ASEAN. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted three key points showcasing synergy between India and ASEAN encompassing various aspects, including cooperation on public health through traditional and complementary medicines.

According to the press release, the conference was divided into sessions with experts of traditional medicine from India and ASEAN sharing about the research they have done and other initiatives taken in protecting people from COVID-19.

The second session of the conference dealt with knowledge sharing on regulatory frameworks, quality control measures, and the integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems.

During the conference, Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai spoke about the shared roots between India and ASEAN on traditional medicines. He said, “India and ASEAN have rich traditional healing systems that share similarities in terms of herbal remedies, holistic approaches, and cultural practices like Ayurveda or are based on Ayurveda.”

Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai said that millets play a major role in providing necessary minerals, fibres and other ingredients to the body in bio-available form, according to the press release.

On India’s proposal, the United Nations declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millet’. Since the start of the year 2023, and is integrated with the daily diet.

In his opening remarks, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said, “This conference marks an important milestone in fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge between our Nations. We will engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive sessions, and scientific presentations that will foster a spirit of collaboration and innovation.” (ANI)

ALSO READ-ASEAN is pillar of India’s Act East policy, says Jaishankar  

Previous Story

‘India’s G20 presidency has strived to strengthen EWG legacy’

Next Story

IIT Delhi launches summer programme in Abu Dhabi

Latest from -Top News

India Strikes Terror Bases in Pakistan

‘Justice is served’, says Indian Army as Operation Sindoor unfolds In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Army on Wednesday

UAE Reopens Doors to Lebanon

The prime minister expressed Lebanon’s “utmost gratitude and appreciation to the UAE” and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan….reports Asian Lite News Lebanon welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates

SYRIA RAIDS: Arab League Slams Israel

The Arab League condemned the airstrikes and called on the international community and the United Nations to confront what it described as “repeated violations committed by Israel against the Syrian state.” The

India Rises, Africa Watches 

While struggling economies in Africa engulf themselves in ideological battles and take sides in the tariff battles, nations like India are placing their national interest first and navigating Global Trade challenges in

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ola Krutrim Opens Cloud Platform for Developers and Enterprises

Homegrown artificial intelligence (AI) company Ola Krutrim on Saturday announced

Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour  

British Indian peer Lord Karan Bilimoria received the Living Legend