0
0
New Delhi, January 31, 2024
In a significant achievement for traditional medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched Module-2 of the International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11), providing a standardized set of morbidity codes for Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha (ASU) systems of medicines globally. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, highlighted this breakthrough in his “Mann Ki Baat” episode on January 28, 2024, terming it an accomplishment that would address challenges faced by patients seeking recourse to these traditional medicine systems.
ICD-11, Chapter 26, Module 2 was unveiled at a function organized in Delhi, resolving a longstanding issue faced by patients following ASU treatments. Previously, patients encountered difficulties when consulting different doctors within the same system, as there was no common language for the terminology of diseases, treatments, and medicines.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, emphasized the impact of this standardized coding system: “A solution to this problem that has been going on for decades has now been found. I am happy to share that the Ministry of Ayush has categorized the data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine, with the help of the World Health Organization.”
The coding system, facilitated by WHO, ensures that doctors across the globe will now use the same language for the terminology of diseases, treatments, and medicines in ASU systems. This will enable seamless communication and understanding among practitioners and benefit patients seeking different opinions or consultations.
One of the advantages highlighted by the Prime Minister is the comprehensive information available on a single slip or prescription. Doctors will have access to details such as the patient’s illness, treatment, medication history, treatment duration, and allergies, promoting more informed and efficient healthcare delivery.
The coding system, integrated into the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), Module 2, is expected to enhance research related to ASU. Scientists from various countries will have access to standardized information about diseases, medicines, and their effects, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The initiative, commenced during the Ayurveda day celebration in 2017 with the launch of the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised terminologies Electronic (NAMASTE) Portal, aligns with the government’s vision to boost the recognition and global acceptance of India’s traditional systems of medicine.
In addition to improving patient care, the launch of ICD-11 Module-2 is anticipated to have broader implications, including medical insurance coverage, creation of insurance packages, insurance portability among global companies, and a potential boost to Medical Value Travel for Ayush care in India.
Union Minister of Ayush and Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, acknowledged the global success achieved under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi. Secretary Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, highlighted that the Ministry of Ayush will develop future strategies for public healthcare based on ICD-11, Module 2, ensuring its national and international implementation. The indexing of Traditional Medicine-related disease names in ICD-11 is considered a milestone in building a uniform global tradition in healthcare.
The launch of ICD-11 Module-2 reflects India’s commitment to advancing traditional medicine on the global stage, paving the way for standardized practices and improved healthcare outcomes.
