The morbidity codes of traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani will be included in the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) list. These codes will become a part of the 11th ICD list, called ICD11, at an event to be held in New Delhi on January 10, 2024. This inclusion will enable global uniformity in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine. The WHO's list includes definitions on international diseases and ways to diagnose them through modern medicine. Data and terminology related to diseases based on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddhi, and Homeopathy) systems are not yet a part of the WHO ICD list.
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system which aims to keep structural and functional entities in a state of equilibrium, signifying good health, but an imbalance in internal and external factors results in disease. This imbalance can be restored through certain techniques, procedures, diets, regimes, medicines, and treatment. The Ayurvedic system is based on the five-element theory, which states that the body is made up of air, water, fire, space, and Earth.
Siddha is a traditional medicine system which states that medical treatment should not be limited just to disease, but must take into account the patient, their age, lifestyle, habits, physical condition, and environment.
The Unani system originated in Greece, passed through several countries, and was enriched by the Arabs, who brought it to India during the Mediaeval period. The system believes in the promotion of positive health and the prevention of diseases, and uses naturally-occurring medicines.
In collaboration with the WHO, the Union Ministry of AYUSH has prepared a categorisation of data and terminology related to diseases based on the systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.
The inclusion is expected to strengthen research in Ayush systems, and improve policy-making.
A disease commonly recognised by the three systems is the Vertigo Guidance Disorder, a disorder linked with a problem in the inner ear, which leads to dizziness. Ayurveda classifies vertigo as Bhramaha, Siddha classifies it as Ajal Kirkrippu, and Unani classifies it as Sadra-o-Dwar.