India is the first nation to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for digitizing its traditional medical systems. This initiative led to the establishment of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), making extensive information and data readily available in digital format. TKDL has played a pivotal role in preserving, researching, and promoting the use of traditional medical knowledge, particularly from the Ayurveda and Unani systems in the modern world.
According to a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized this effort as an important step in the global movement that combines modern and traditional treatment approaches. Traditional Indian medicine has found origins in oral traditions, classical literature sources, and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. Private companies from foreign countries have applied for patents on herbal formulations and treatment remedies that have been used for a long time in every Indian household for various purposes, often without prior documentation.
This program is supported by both the Indian government and WHO, showing how modern technologies can revitalize age-old traditions and methods. The digitization of TKDL aims to protect all knowledge systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy from misappropriation and misuse.
The library serves as evidence that this knowledge is available in the public domain. With the help of translation and digitization, these traditional formulations, expressed in various languages and coded in different ways, are being shared with patent offices worldwide. Machine learning methods and AI are currently used in the TKDL database to analyse trends, arrange difficult data, and identify potential connections between modern diseases and traditional treatments. The WHO has also addressed several recent advancements, including Ayurgenomics, which is an area that combines genetic science with the Ayurvedic concept of prakriti (body constitution).
Indian scientists were working on correlating ancient health typologies with DNA data to develop personalized treatment protocols. Traditional Ayurvedic diagnostic methods, such as examining the tongue and reading the pulse, are being integrated into AI-based decision-making models. The Ministry of Ayush released a statement stating that the goal is not limited to discovering areas where tradition and technology can interact, but also to preserve cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister of India has repeatedly championed the vision of “AI for all” and identified healthcare as a key field to achieve this goal. The Union Minister also noted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the availability of Indian medical systems and contribute to global health solutions. India’s TKDL now serves as a model for countries China, South Korea, and Indonesia, encouraging them to leverage their rich traditional medical knowledge using similar digital platforms.
Reference: India Today. India becomes first nation to digitise traditional medicine with AI-powered library. Published July 20, 2025. Accessed July 22, 2025. India becomes first nation to digitise traditional medicine with AI-powered library
