The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a new module for Traditional Medicine Conditions in the 2025 update of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This move formally integrates Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine into global health reporting, research, and policymaking. The initiative follows a successful year-long testing phase of ICD-11 TM-2, launched in January 2024 for country implementation testing.

Key Highlights:
Recognition of Traditional Medicine in Global Health Systems:

• Traditional health systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, are now officially documented and categorized in ICD-11.

• This elevates their status in global healthcare policies, research, and patient care.

Dual Coding for Traditional and Modern Medicine:

• The new system allows dual coding, enabling simultaneous classification of both traditional and conventional medical diagnoses.

• This enhances data collection, facilitates comparative research, and strengthens evidence-based policymaking.

WHO’s Commitment to Holistic Healthcare:

• The update aligns with WHO’s goal of universal health coverage and sustainable development, ensuring traditional medicine is integrated into national healthcare strategies.

• The move promotes evidence-based integrative healthcare policies that embrace holistic wellbeing.

Statements from Officials:

• Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush:

“The release of the ICD-11 update 2025 represents a significant step toward the global integration of traditional medicine, specifically Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This will enhance patient care and strengthen healthcare policies worldwide.”

• Dr. Robert Jakob, Team Leader, WHO Classifications and Terminologies Unit:

“With the new updates, ICD-11 offers more ease of use, improved interoperability, and accuracy, which will benefit national health systems and the people they serve.”With WHO officially categorizing Traditional Medicine Conditions, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani gain global credibility and structured documentation. This paves the way for further integration into modern healthcare systems, fostering comprehensive and holistic treatment approaches worldwide.