 is gearing up to introduce the 11th Edition of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in a groundbreaking move that includes data and terminology related to diseases based on Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems.){kind=link}
The World Health Organization (WHO) is gearing up to introduce the 11th Edition of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in a groundbreaking move that includes data and terminology related to diseases based on Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems.
The launch, scheduled for January 10th, 2024, in New Delhi, represents a significant global milestone in healthcare, as traditional medicine gains international recognition. The initiative aims to establish a universal code of vocabulary to define diseases in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) medicine, promoting global uniformity.
This effort stands out as a departure from the current ICD series, which predominantly relies on healthcare practices associated with modern biomedicine. Diseases rooted in Ayush systems, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, have been notably absent from the WHO’s global disease classification until now.
The impetus for this transformative step originated from collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO. Discussions at the Ministry of Ayush on January 9th, involving the Director of Integrated Health Services at WHO Geneva and Pradeep Dua, Technical Officer Tradition, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine, played a crucial role in shaping this initiative.
The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI), acting as the WHO Collaboration Centre for ICD-related activities, played a pivotal role in facilitating the integration of traditional medicine into the ICD-11. The Ministry of Ayush has already developed a dedicated Code for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine through the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Electronic Portal (NAMSTE).
In this comprehensive classification, infectious diseases like Malaria and lifestyle ailments such as chronic insomnia will be included. Noteworthy examples include the incorporation of ‘Bhramaha’ in Ayurveda, ‘Ajal Kirkrippu’ in Siddha, and ‘Sadra-o-Dwar’ in Unani, all under the common term “Vertigo Guidance Disorder.”
The release of ICD-11 on January 10th, 2024, in New Delhi, will mark a historic moment as WHO and Ministry of Ayush officials jointly present this groundbreaking advancement in global healthcare.