Saudi Arabia actively participates in the World Traditional Medicine Summit in India
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening its international presence at major health forums, the Kingdom participated with a high-level official delegation in the Second World Summit on Traditional Medicine, organized by the World Health Organization in New Delhi, India. This year's summit, themed "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing," saw broad international participation and aimed to integrate trusted traditional practices into modern healthcare systems.
The Saudi delegation was headed by a select group of experts and officials, including Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Abu Abah, Advisor to the Minister of Health; Dr. Abdullah bin Obaid Al-Anzi, Deputy Executive Director General of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; and Consultant Abdulrahman bin Hamoud Al-Sahbi. This participation underscores the Kingdom's growing interest in the complementary medicine sector as part of its health transformation goals within Vision 2030.
The Kingdom's leading role in regulating complementary medicine
The Kingdom's participation was not limited to mere attendance; it also witnessed a significant interaction in shaping the summit's outcomes. Dr. Abdullah Al-Anzi was selected as a keynote speaker in a pivotal scientific session entitled "Global Frameworks and Implementation at the National Level." During the session, Dr. Al-Anzi discussed the Kingdom's pioneering experience in institutionalizing complementary and alternative medicine and enacting legislation that ensures the safety of practices and the competence of practitioners. This reflects the significant progress achieved by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in regulating this vital sector.
The Saudi role was also highlighted through Al-Anzi’s membership in the World Health Organization’s committee for summit work, reflecting international confidence in Saudi expertise and its ability to contribute to the development of global health strategies.
Context of the event and its global significance
This summit is of exceptional importance given the World Health Organization's focus on establishing a robust knowledge infrastructure for traditional medicine. This edition builds upon efforts that began with the establishment of the WHO's Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India. These international initiatives aim to leverage the medical heritage of different cultures, but through a rigorous scientific lens based on evidence and clinical data, to ensure that these treatments are safe and effective.
Over the course of its sessions, the summit discussed ways to enhance the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems, exchange successful international experiences, and support regulatory and research frameworks. This integration is essential for achieving universal health coverage, especially since millions of people worldwide rely on traditional medicine as their first choice for healthcare.
Expected impact and future of healthcare
The Kingdom's participation in such forums contributes to transferring global knowledge within Saudi Arabia, enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens and residents. Furthermore, the focus on well-being and restoring health balance aligns perfectly with the initiatives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The summit's outcomes are expected to yield new global recommendations that will contribute to raising standards in the practice of complementary medicine, combating unregulated practices, and promoting scientific research in the field of herbs and natural remedies, ultimately serving human health and well-being globally.
