The 3rd Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Alternative Medicine took place between the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany, from 18 to 20 November 2025 in Berlin. This meeting aims to enhance the collaboration between the two nations in traditional and integrative healthcare.
The Indian delegation included key officials such as Ms. Monalisha Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and other prominent figures from the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), and other institutions related to Ayush systems. The German side featured officials such as Paul Zubeil, Head of Division European and International Health Policy, and representatives from Charité University and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
The meeting saw extensive discussions centered on three key pillars: integrating traditional medicine into public health systems, establishing reimbursement pathways for patient access, and strengthening regulatory approval mechanisms.
These discussions reflect the shared commitment from both countries to foster evidence-based and people-centered practices in traditional medicine. The delegation’s engagement with various German institutions aimed to identify concrete avenues for further collaboration.
Highlights of the visit included consultations at the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University, exploring collaborative research opportunities, and advancing a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Ayush. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Community Hospital Havelhöhe to review integrative care practices and the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) to discuss insurance and reimbursement mechanisms relevant to traditional medicine.
The ongoing collaboration signifies the Ministry of Ayush’s strategic effort to globalize Ayurvedic and traditional medical systems, emphasizing robust frameworks for evidence-based integration. During discussions, the Ministry indicated that sustained collaboration with Germany is essential for accelerating research, harmonizing regulations, and ensuring patient access to high-quality integrative healthcare solutions.
This collaborative endeavor positions India favorably in the global landscape of traditional medicine, promoting safety, quality, and scientific validation in the integration of alternative medicine practices.
As both nations move forward, the commitment to share knowledge, practices, and research will pave the way for enhanced healthcare solutions that are accessible, efficient, and culturally resonant with their populations.
