Traditional Medicine in ICD-11

GS 2 -HEALTH 

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has recently been updated to include traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This marks a significant development in recognizing these systems within global healthcare frameworks.

 

What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)?

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) serves as the global standard for classifying diseases, injuries, and causes of death. It provides a uniform language essential for:

• Global Health Data – For over a century, ICD has been a foundational tool in tracking health trends, shaping public health policies, and supporting medical research.
• Comparative Analysis – It enables comparisons of mortality and morbidity data across nations and time periods, offering critical insights into disease burden and healthcare needs.
• Latest Version: ICD-11 – The newest iteration improves accuracy, interoperability, and digital adaptability.

 

Key Features and Advancements in ICD-11

Adoption and Implementation

• ICD-11 was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2019 and became effective in 2022.
• It represents a major technological and conceptual upgrade over previous versions.

Enhanced Digital Integration

• ICD-11 is more adaptable to digital health systems, facilitating seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs).
• It supports Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) API integration and Natural Language Processing (NLP), enhancing real-time data exchange and precision in medical coding.

Improved Accuracy and Usability

• Error Reduction – Advanced spelling correction and recognition of language variations minimize data entry errors.
• User-Friendly Design – The system is now more accessible for healthcare professionals.

Multilingual Expansion

• ICD-11 is available in 14 languages, with ongoing efforts to increase its accessibility worldwide.

Conceptual Framework

• Its framework is independent of language and culture, ensuring applicability across diverse healthcare systems.

 

Significance of Integrating Traditional Medicine in ICD-11

One of the most transformative updates in ICD-11 (particularly in the 2025 revision) is the inclusion of traditional medicine conditions, acknowledging their significant role in healthcare.

Key Benefits

1. Policy Development

• Supports evidence-based policymaking for integrating traditional medicine into national healthcare systems.
• Guides insurance coverage decisions for traditional treatments.

2. Global Recognition

• Elevates Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani within global health reporting, research, and policymaking.
• Facilitates systematic tracking of traditional medicine services for better resource allocation.

3. Quality and Safety

• Standardizes terminology to ensure quality control and monitoring.
• Enhances safety through systematic documentation of traditional treatments.

4. Dual Coding System

• Allows for simultaneous documentation of traditional and conventional medical diagnoses.
• Provides a holistic understanding of patient health and supports research into the effectiveness of traditional practices.

5. Data Collection and Research

• Establishes standardized terminology, enhancing data accuracy on traditional medicine usage and treatment outcomes.
• Encourages rigorous research and evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.

6. Cultural Sensitivity

• Recognizes the importance of culturally sensitive and holistic healthcare approaches.

7. Economic Impact

• Provides a structured framework for insurance coverage of traditional treatments.
• Supports the growth of the traditional medicine industry, fostering economic benefits.

8. Enhanced Patient Care

• Enables comprehensive patient records across different medical systems.
• Supports informed decision-making for treatment choices.

 

Implications for Global Health

1. Improved Data Quality

• Enhanced accuracy and interoperability improve public health decision-making.

2. Strengthening Health Systems

• Efficient data management and analysis contribute to more effective national and global health systems.

3. Advancing Research

• The standardized framework supports large-scale comparative studies on both conventional and traditional treatments.

4. Supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

• Aligns with WHO’s goal of universal health coverage by recognizing diverse healthcare needs and integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.

5. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• ICD-11 plays a crucial role in achieving health-related SDGs by improving data tracking, reducing health inequalities, and promoting integrative healthcare models.

 

Challenges in Implementation

1. Implementation Hurdles

• Requires training of healthcare professionals.
• Demands upgrading health information systems to ensure smooth adoption.

2. Data Analysis Complexity

• Processing vast amounts of health data generated by ICD-11 requires robust analytical tools and technological infrastructure.

3. Need for Continuous Updates

• Medical science evolves rapidly, necessitating frequent revisions to keep ICD-11 aligned with new medical discoveries and changing disease patterns.

The integration of traditional medicine into ICD-11 marks a major milestone in global healthcare classification. While it provides greater legitimacy, data accuracy, and policy support for traditional practices, successful implementation will require training, system upgrades, and ongoing research.

By bridging conventional and traditional medicine, ICD-11 paves the way for a more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based global healthcare system.