Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Budget 2026: WHO’s Only Traditional Medicine Centre In THIS City To Be Upgraded

During this year's Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major upgrades for WHO first and only Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar as part of the government's attempt to boost Ayurveda and traditional medicine in the country.

Sitharaman, in her February 1 speech, mentioned that the upgrade of the center at Jamnagar will be carried out "to bolster evidence-based research, training and global awareness in traditional medicine system."

The proposed upgrade is expected to improve clinical validation, research infrastructure, documentation, and knowledge sharing platforms aligned with international health standards.

Anup Thakkar, head of department of Panchkarma, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar told TOI of the announcement: "The WHO center is for research and training and the budgetary announcement will give it a big push. With evidence-based research in ayurveda, that too backed by WHO it will give global acceptance to ayurveda. 

"It will help in standardization of ayurveda drugs. Farmers who grow the herbs will also be benefited."

The exclusive traditional medicine institute was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Government of India and Ministry of AYUSH. According to WHO, India has committed $250 million for the project. 

Traditional medicine encompasses ancient and culture-specific healthcare practices such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and herbal remedies used to treat illnesses and promote well-being, often relying on natural, plant-based, or holistic methods.

This type of medicine mainly utilizes the benefits of natural products like the plant, animal, and mineral substances. The mode of treatment is supported by indigenous beliefs, practical skills, and experiences handed down from generation to generation.

READ MORE:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/union-budget-2026-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-announces-biopharma-shakti-medical-tourism-here-is-what-experts-say-article-153541623" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Biopharma Shakti, Medical Tourism. Here Is What Experts Say</a>

It also treats the human body as a whole and not a particular body part and relies on the concept that every organ of the human body is interconnected with others. The emphasis of traditional medicine is on maximizing the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

<h2>Budget 2026: Focus on Yoga And Ayurveda</h2>

Under Budget 2026-27, 1.5 lakh caregivers will be trained to provide yoga and Ayurveda-based services to improve access to wellness care while also creating large-scale employment opportunities. The proposal reflects the growing demand for traditional and preventive healthcare in India and abroad.

She also proposed setting up new All India Institutes of Ayurveda as part of the government’s push to expand traditional and modern healthcare infrastructure as well as to improve the quality of Ayurveda education and help standardise treatment practices across the country.

"I propose to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; Upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs and make available more skilled persons; Upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar," said Sitharaman.

Additionally, she noted that ancient Indian yoga received worldwide recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative to introduce it at the United Nations.

“Ancient Indian yoga, already respected in several parts of the world, was given mass global recognition when PM took it to the UN. Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar global acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurvedic products helps farmers who grow the herbs and the youth who process the products. To meet growing global demand, a few more steps are being taken,” the FM said.

Focusing on the connection between traditional Indian medicine and medical tourism, Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder, Medical Linkers told Healthandme: "As a country, we are increasingly recognised for combining clinical excellence with value-driven care, and healthcare hubs that integrate advanced diagnostics, post-treatment rehabilitation, and AYUSH-led wellness therapies such as yoga and Ayurveda can take that advantage further by offering a truly end-to-end patient journey.

"This also adds meaningful momentum to India’s medical value tourism story, where outcomes, experience, and continuity of care matter as much as affordability."

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ayurveda

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narendra modi

Union Budget 2026

Traditional Medicine

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Jamnagar

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During this year's Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major upgrades for WHO first and only Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar as part of the government's attempt to boost Ayurveda and traditional medicine in the country. Sitharaman, in her February 1 speech, mentioned that the upgrade of the center at Jamnagar will be carried out "to bolster evidence-based research, training and global awareness in traditional medicine system."The proposed upgrade is expected to improve clinical validation, research infrastructure, documentation, and knowledge sharing platforms aligned with international health standards.Anup Thakkar, head of department of Panchkarma, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar told TOI of the announcement: "The WHO center is for research and training and the budgetary announcement will give it a big push. With evidence-based research in ayurveda, that too backed by WHO it will give global acceptance to ayurveda. "It will help in standardization of ayurveda drugs. Farmers who grow the herbs will also be benefited."The exclusive traditional medicine institute was established in 2022 in collaboration with the Government of India and Ministry of AYUSH. According to WHO, India has committed $250 million for the project. What Is Traditional Medicine?Traditional medicine encompasses ancient and culture-specific healthcare practices such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and herbal remedies used to treat illnesses and promote well-being, often relying on natural, plant-based, or holistic methods.This type of medicine mainly utilizes the benefits of natural products like the plant, animal, and mineral substances. The mode of treatment is supported by indigenous beliefs, practical skills, and experiences handed down from generation to generation.READ MORE: Union Budget 2026: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Biopharma Shakti, Medical Tourism. Here Is What Experts SayIt also treats the human body as a whole and not a particular body part and relies on the concept that every organ of the human body is interconnected with others. The emphasis of traditional medicine is on maximizing the body’s innate ability to heal itself.Budget 2026: Focus on Yoga And AyurvedaUnder Budget 2026-27, 1.5 lakh caregivers will be trained to provide yoga and Ayurveda-based services to improve access to wellness care while also creating large-scale employment opportunities. The proposal reflects the growing demand for traditional and preventive healthcare in India and abroad.She also proposed setting up new All India Institutes of Ayurveda as part of the government’s push to expand traditional and modern healthcare infrastructure as well as to improve the quality of Ayurveda education and help standardise treatment practices across the country."I propose to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; Upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs and make available more skilled persons; Upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar," said Sitharaman.Additionally, she noted that ancient Indian yoga received worldwide recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative to introduce it at the United Nations.“Ancient Indian yoga, already respected in several parts of the world, was given mass global recognition when PM took it to the UN. Post COVID, Ayurveda gained a similar global acceptance and recognition. Exporting quality Ayurvedic products helps farmers who grow the herbs and the youth who process the products. To meet growing global demand, a few more steps are being taken,” the FM said.Focusing on the connection between traditional Indian medicine and medical tourism, Sonam Garg Sharma, Founder, Medical Linkers told Healthandme: "As a country, we are increasingly recognised for combining clinical excellence with value-driven care, and healthcare hubs that integrate advanced diagnostics, post-treatment rehabilitation, and AYUSH-led wellness therapies such as yoga and Ayurveda can take that advantage further by offering a truly end-to-end patient journey."This also adds meaningful momentum to India’s medical value tourism story, where outcomes, experience, and continuity of care matter as much as affordability."