- WHO’s ICD-11 update for 2025 includes a new module for traditional medicine, formally recognizing Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems.
- The update enables dual coding, improving data collection and global integration of traditional medicine into healthcare policies
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a significant update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) for 2025, introducing a dedicated module for traditional medicine.
This inclusion formally recognizes Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems within WHO’s global health framework, enabling systematic tracking and integration into national healthcare strategies.
The update follows a year-long testing phase initiated in January 2024 with the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 in New Delhi. It culminated in discussions at a WHO meeting held at the National Institute of Health in Malaysia in November 2024. The module is now officially available on the ICD-11 Blue Browser.
By categorizing traditional medicine conditions alongside conventional medical diagnoses, the update enhances the visibility and credibility of these ancient healthcare systems. It enables dual coding, allowing healthcare providers to document both traditional and modern medical diagnoses, facilitating comprehensive data collection and research.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the importance of this step, stating,
"The release of the ICD-11 update 2025 represents a significant step toward global integration of traditional medicine, specifically Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. By allowing dual coding and improving data collection, this update fosters evidence-based policymaking, enhances patient care, and supports the inclusion of traditional medicine in national healthcare strategies, promoting holistic and inclusive healthcare worldwide."
Traditional medicine has played a vital role in healthcare across Asia, Africa, and other regions, complementing modern medical approaches. WHO’s initiative aligns with its mission to promote universal health coverage and sustainable development goals by recognizing the therapeutic potential of these systems.
The ICD-11 traditional medicine module is designed to capture morbidity data, helping governments assess the frequency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of traditional medicine interventions. By standardizing terminology and definitions, it facilitates global tracking of traditional medicine usage and supports its integration into national healthcare frameworks.
Dr. Robert Jakob, Team Leader of WHO’s Classifications and Terminologies Unit, highlighted the broader benefits of the update, stating,
"With the new updates, the ICD-11 offers more ease of use, improved interoperability and accuracy, which will benefit national health systems and the people they serve."
As traditional medicine continues to be a key component of healthcare for many populations, its inclusion in ICD-11 reflects WHO’s commitment to an inclusive, evidence-based approach to global health policy.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
