WHO Incorporates Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha Disease Terms in ICD-11, Boosting Global Healthcare Standardization

The World Health Organization (WHO) has included terminologies defining diseases in the ayurveda, unani, and siddha systems of medicine in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11th revision, announced the Ayush ministry on Wednesday.

The integration of these terms into the WHO ICD-11 classification marks a significant step towards global standardization in ayurveda, unani, and siddha medicines, providing a universal code for disease definition.

The launch of ICD 11 Traditional Medicine Module 2 by the World Health Organization sets the stage for its implementation, according to the ministry's statement.

"The data and terminology relating to diseases based on ayurveda, siddha, and unani medicine have been included in the WHO ICD-11 classification," stated the ministry.

In collaboration with the WHO, the Ministry of AYUSH has developed a classification of diseases used in ayurveda, siddha, and unani systems under the TM-2 module of the ICD-11 series. A donor agreement was signed earlier between the WHO and the Ministry of Ayush for this classification.

This initiative is expected to fortify and broaden India’s healthcare delivery system, research, Ayush insurance coverage, research and development, and policy-making processes.

In addition to enhancing healthcare standards, these codes can serve as a foundation for formulating future strategies to control various diseases.

Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women and Child Development Munjapara Mahendrabhai, who inaugurated the ICD-11 TM Module-2 at the India Habitat Centre, emphasized the need to modernize Ayush medicine by aligning it with global standards, both in India and around the world.

The inclusion of traditional medical terminologies in ICD-11 establishes a crucial link between traditional medicine and global standards, remarked Dr. Radarico H Ofrin, WHO Representative to India.

Dr. Sameera Asma, Assistant Director-General DDI, WHO, described the indexing of disease terminology related to traditional medicine in ICD-11 as a milestone towards building a unified global tradition.

Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Senior Strategic Advisor, WHO, joined the event virtually, stating that the inclusion of traditional medical terminology in ICD-11 will further strengthen India’s routine health system.

Dr. Robert Jacob, Head of Classification and Terminology Unit, WHO, assured that the data listed in ICD-11 will be available for global use.