BRICS Nations Join Hands to strengthen TCIM, Expert Working Group Taking Shape

Key Highlights:

• India hosted the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) on July 21, 2026, in Chandigarh.
• The meeting finalized the Terms of Reference for a proposed BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM.
• It was part of India's BRICS 2026 Chairship, organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Ayush.
• Delegates from the expanded BRICS member states (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, UAE) participated.
• The event aimed to strengthen multilateral cooperation and promote evidence-based traditional medicine systems.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting's overarching theme was "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation & Sustainability," aligning with India's BRICS 2026 Chairship.
• It provided a platform for member states to exchange best practices, policy experiences, and scientific advancements in TCIM.
• A dedicated side event on "Capacity Building, Education and Human Resource Development" was organized by the Ministry of Ayush.
• Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated the Ayush Zone, showcasing India's holistic healthcare initiatives.
• The Ayush Zone featured Ayush Aahar, health consultations, herbal heritage, and research insights, along with wellness activities like Yoga.
• Delegates participated in Yoga sessions, including Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstrations by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) and Yoga Break (Y-Break).
• The Ayush Aahar Mela, supported by the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), showcased India's traditional healthcare ecosystem.
• Outcomes included enhanced cooperation in research, education, regulatory frameworks, and knowledge-sharing in TCIM.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An acronym for an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM): A broad set of healthcare practices that are not part of a country's own tradition or are not fully integrated into the dominant healthcare system.
• Ministry of Ayush: A government ministry in India dedicated to developing education, research, and propagation of indigenous alternative medicine systems.