Saudi Arabia participates in the World Summit on Traditional Medicine in India
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its healthcare sector and enhancing its presence on the international stage, 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. The summit, held under the theme "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Wellbeing," saw broad international participation and aimed to integrate traditional practices into modern healthcare systems.
High-level Saudi delegation
The Saudi delegation was headed by a specialized team comprising leading experts and officials. Representing the Kingdom were 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 health leadership's commitment to exchanging expertise and learning from global experiences in the field of holistic health.
The Kingdom's leading role at the summit
The Kingdom's participation was not limited to mere attendance; it also witnessed pivotal and influential interaction in shaping the summit's outcomes. Dr. Abdullah Al-Anzi was selected as a keynote speaker in a significant scientific session entitled "Global Frameworks and Implementation at the National Level." Furthermore, the Kingdom's leadership role was highlighted through its membership on the World Health Organization's summit organizing committee, reflecting international confidence in Saudi expertise and the model the Kingdom presents in regulating and institutionalizing alternative and complementary medicine.
Context of the event and its global significance
This summit is of paramount strategic importance given the growing global trend toward traditional and complementary medicine as an integral part of healthcare. The World Health Organization, through its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, is working to establish scientific and research-based standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of these practices. This event complements international efforts to leverage the medical heritage of different cultures and utilize it to serve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in light of the health challenges facing the world and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases that require holistic treatment approaches.
The integration of tradition and modernity
The summit addressed vital topics focusing on ways to enhance the integration of traditional medicine with modern, evidence-based healthcare systems. Discussions centered on supporting regulatory and legislative frameworks, encouraging clinical research, and leveraging big data and artificial intelligence in this field. These combined efforts aim to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to the public, enhance human health and well-being, and ensure access to safe and effective healthcare for all, directly aligning with the objectives of the healthcare transformation program within the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
