India has become the first country to create a comprehensive Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a digital archive of ancient medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. The World Health Organization has acknowledged India’s efforts in a new technical brief, calling the TKDL a pioneering step in preserving traditional medicine knowledge.

The WHO also released the world’s first roadmap on using artificial intelligence in traditional medicine concepts first proposed by India. This roadmap highlights AI-powered tools that support diagnosis using traditional methods like pulse reading and tongue assessments, and innovative approaches like Ayurgenomics, which combines genomics and Ayurveda to predict disease and tailor treatments.

The TKDL not only archives knowledge but also helps protect it. The system prevents unethical patenting of traditional remedies by global institutions and is accessible to international patent offices, ensuring India’s traditional medicines are recognised as prior art and cannot be patented abroad.

This move underscores India’s growing influence in international health, blending centuries-old wisdom with cutting-edge technology and strengthening its position in the global traditional medicine landscape.