Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge Concludes in Goa, Consensus Reached on Four Key Cooperation Areas
Seven member nations at the third BIMSTEC conference in Goa have decided to collaborate on traditional medical knowledge, genetic resources, and intellectual property rights.
The third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Intellectual Property Rights, along with the second BIMSTEC Nodal Group meeting, has successfully concluded in Goa. Representatives from all seven member nations of BIMSTEC participated in the conference.
On the second day of the conference, representatives visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Goa. They were briefed on the institute's state-of-the-art tertiary medical facilities and academic activities. During the visit, delegates shared best practices adopted at the institutional level. Additionally, a plantation program was organized as a symbol of shared commitment to traditional medicine and biodiversity conservation.
After detailed discussions, the Nodal Group expressed consensus on four primary areas of cooperation, which include institutional and policy cooperation, standards and trade, documentation and capacity building, and implementation mechanisms. All member nations agreed to support one another in the fields of intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional medical knowledge.
Prof. Vaidya P.K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, described the conference as significant, noting that it went beyond discussions to reach agreements on several issues. He stated that the 'Goa Conclusion' would provide a strong foundation for future BIMSTEC cooperation. Mrs. Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, praised the active participation and constructive cooperation of all member countries.
Mr. Kadirkamu Kandasamy Yoganandan, Director of the Science, Technology & Innovation and Health & Human Resource Development Division of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, commended the Ministry of AYUSH and AIIA for the successful organization. He explained that the objective of this regional cooperation is to improve people's well-being, strengthen health systems, and preserve the rich heritage of traditional medicine for future generations. At the end of the program, Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa, delivered a vote of thanks to the member nations, experts, and officials for their contributions.