New Delhi: The Union Government has announced a major boost for India’s traditional medicine sector with the proposed upgrade of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, aimed at strengthening evidence based research, training, and global awareness.

Presenting the Union Budget 2026 27 in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India’s growing global leadership in traditional healthcare systems, particularly yoga and Ayurveda.

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.

To meet the rising global demand for traditional medicine products and services, Sitharaman announced a series of key initiatives under the AYUSH sector.

“I propose to (i) set up 3 new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; (ii) upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and Drug Testing Labs for higher standards of certification ecosystem, and make available more skilled personnel; (iii) upgrade the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar to bolster evidence based research, training and awareness for traditional medicine,” she said.

The Jamnagar centre, established in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is envisioned as a global hub for traditional medicine. The proposed upgrade is expected to improve clinical validation, research infrastructure, documentation, and knowledge sharing platforms aligned with international health standards.

The move is also seen as a significant milestone for Gujarat, reinforcing Jamnagar’s position as a global centre for traditional medicine while supporting India’s broader vision of integrating ancient healthcare systems with modern scientific evidence. DeshGujarat