The 3rd Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Alternative Medicine took place from November 18 to 20, 2025, in Berlin, involving the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Health, Germany. The meeting represented a crucial advancement in Indo-German collaboration in the realm of traditional and integrative healthcare.
The Indian delegation, led by Ms. Monalisha Dash, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, included several prominent figures such as Prof. (Dr.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, and Dr. Subhash Kaushik, Director General of CCRH. These officials engaged with their counterparts from the German side, including Paul Zubeil, Head of Division for European and International Health Policy, and Prof. Dr. med. Georg Seifert, the Head of the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité Berlin.
The discussions during the meeting focused on three critical areas. First, integrating traditional medicine into the public health systems of both countries stood out as a priority. Second, establishing reimbursement pathways for patients to access alternative therapies was crucial to enhancing the viability of traditional medicine. Finally, the meeting addressed regulatory approval mechanisms, reflecting a strong mutual commitment to supporting evidence-based traditional medicine practices.
The Indian delegation also explored key partnerships with organizations such as BKK mkk and Dr. Jaqueline Wiesner, Head of the Department for Vitamins, Minerals, and Special Therapeutic Approaches at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Potential collaborations in research and public health were a significant focus of these engagements.
Collaborative initiatives with the Competence Center for Traditional and Integrative Medicine at Charité University aim to advance research opportunities and fortify the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Ayush.
Moreover, discussions at the Community Hospital Havelhöhe revolved around integrative care, underscoring complementary approaches to healthcare. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) provided a platform for discussions regarding insurance and reimbursement mechanisms relevant to traditional medicine, which could significantly impact patient access and affordability.
This mission reflects the strategic goals of the Ministry of Ayush to globalize Indian traditional medicine systems. By establishing robust frameworks for evidence-based integration into public health, India seeks to enhance its international partnerships and strengthen its global presence in traditional medicine.
The collaboration between India and Germany will facilitate research acceleration, regulatory harmonization, and improved patient access to integrative healthcare solutions. The Ministry of Ayush emphasizes the importance of safety, quality, and scientific validation in expanding these healthcare practices.
As both governments continue to work towards sustainable healthcare solutions, initiatives such as this JWG Meeting play a vital role in ensuring the global prominence of traditional Indian medicine.
In summary, the successful discussions and implications of the 3rd JWG Meeting signify a progressive step towards a stronger framework of cooperation between India and Germany in traditional medicine, setting a foundation for innovative healthcare approaches that prioritize integrative practices.
