TFP Bureau, New Delhi; January 10, 2024: In a significant move towards integrating traditional medicine with international disease classification, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush are set to launch the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 TM Module 2, Morbidity Codes. This event, scheduled for January 10, 2024, in New Delhi, will witness the inclusion of data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems in the ICD11 classification.
Global Uniformity in Traditional Medicine Codes
The launch aims to establish global uniformity in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha (ASU) medicine by providing a code of vocabulary to define diseases. The ICD series by WHO is a comprehensive classification system for diseases, and this effort seeks to include traditional medicine practices in the global data on diseases. Currently, the available data primarily reflects healthcare practices based on modern biomedicine.
Collaborative Efforts and Discussions
Senior officials from the World Health Organization and representatives from WHO member countries are expected to be present at the launch event. The Director of Integrated Health Services at WHO Geneva recently discussed the importance of including traditional medicine in ICD 11 at the Ministry of Ayush premises on January 9. The Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, along with senior officials, highlighted the ministry’s efforts, and Pradeep Dua, Technical Officer Tradition, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, WHO, participated in the discussions.
Strengthening India’s Healthcare System
The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, serves as the WHO Collaboration Centre for ICD-related activities. The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with WHO, has categorized data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems under the TM2 module of the ICD11 series. The Ministry has signed a Donor Agreement with WHO for this initiative. These efforts are expected to enhance India’s public healthcare delivery system, research, Ayush insurance coverage, research and development, and policy-making systems.
Impact on Disease Control Strategies
The traditional medicine morbidity codes will not only contribute to the global classification of diseases but will also be used in formulating strategies to control various diseases. Member countries of WHO are showing interest in implementing a similar format to include the terminology of traditional medical diseases in the ICD.
Inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Diseases
Under ICD-11, diseases from Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine will be internationally coded, including infectious diseases like Malaria and lifestyle diseases like chronic insomnia. For instance, Vertigo Guidance Disorder, recognized in the traditional systems as ‘Bhramaha’ in Ayurveda, ‘Ajal Kirkrippu’ in Siddha, and ‘Sadra-o-Dwar’ in Unani, will be codified internationally through the TM 2 module of ICD11. The release of ICD11 is set to take place on January 10, 2024, in New Delhi, with officials from WHO and the Ministry of Ayush in joint attendance.
