This new module officially documents Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani alongside conventional medical conditions, elevating their status in global health reporting and policymaking.

The initiative aligns with WHO's goals of universal health coverage and sustainable development by acknowledging the therapeutic potential of traditional medicine alongside contemporary treatments.

This update follows a year-long testing phase after the launch of ICD-11 TM-2 in January 2024, specifically focusing on the Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems of medicine in India.

Dr. Robert Jakob from WHO highlighted that these updates improve usability, interoperability, and accuracy, benefiting national health systems and the populations they serve.

This dual coding capability supports evidence-based policymaking and enhances patient care, promoting holistic healthcare worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a groundbreaking module for traditional medicine in its 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), marking a significant advancement in the global integration of traditional healthcare practices.

The new module enables dual coding for diagnoses, allowing healthcare providers to collect comprehensive data on traditional medicine practices and their effectiveness.

The formal categorization of traditional medicine systems creates a structured way for researchers and healthcare providers to assess their impact globally, enhancing visibility and credibility.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary in the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that this update promotes the integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare strategies, supporting evidence-based policymaking and enhancing patient care.

By facilitating systematic tracking and assessment, WHO enhances the visibility and credibility of traditional medicine within health systems around the world.