Geetha Krishnan, MD (Ayurveda)
Dr. Geetha Krishnan is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician and currently serves as a Technical Officer for Traditional, Complementary & Integrative Medicine (TCIM) at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters. She is a distinguished speaker at the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (3rd WCTCIM). Dr. Krishnan brings a wealth of experience from her extensive clinical and policy work in India and now plays a pivotal role in shaping global TCIM strategies and initiatives at the WHO.
Her work primarily focuses on heading WHO’s TCIM clinical benchmarks and evidence initiatives. Furthermore, she is instrumental in driving the extension of the global TCIM strategy towards 2025, significantly influencing how traditional and complementary medicine is integrated into health systems worldwide. Representing both India and Switzerland in her professional capacities, Dr. Krishnan is a key figure in advancing the evidence-based application of TCIM.
ORCID: You can explore her work further via her ORCID profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4255-5819
Academic Foundation and Early Career in India
Dr. Geetha Krishnan embarked on her distinguished career in Ayurvedic medicine after graduating from the Government Ayurveda College Trivandrum in 1994. This institution is renowned for its comprehensive education in traditional Indian medical sciences. Following her graduation, she dedicated two decades to impactful clinical and policy roles within India. This extensive period allowed her to gain profound practical experience in patient care using Ayurvedic principles. Moreover, her involvement in policy matters contributed to the development and integration of traditional medicine within the Indian healthcare landscape.
Her hands-on clinical work provided deep insights into the therapeutic applications of Ayurveda. Simultaneously, her policy contributions helped shape the framework for traditional medicine in India, laying a strong foundation for her subsequent international responsibilities. Consequently, this blend of clinical acumen and policy expertise uniquely prepared Dr. Geetha Krishnan for her global role.
Pivotal Role at the World Health Organization (WHO)
In 2017, Dr. Krishnan transitioned her expertise to the global stage by joining the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters. As a Technical Officer in the Traditional, Complementary & Integrative Medicine (TCIM) unit, she has become a central figure in several key international health initiatives. Her responsibilities are critical to advancing the WHO’s agenda on TCIM, focusing on evidence-based approaches and strategic integration into member states’ health systems.
One of her primary responsibilities is leading the development and implementation of WHO’s TCIM clinical benchmarks. These benchmarks are essential for standardizing training and practice in various traditional medicine systems globally. In addition, Dr. Krishnan spearheads evidence initiatives, promoting rigorous research to validate the safety and efficacy of TCIM practices. This work is crucial for building confidence and ensuring that TCIM interventions meet high standards of quality and patient safety. Her efforts directly contribute to the WHO’s global strategy for TCIM, particularly its extension and refinement leading up to 2025.
Key Contributions and Global Impact of Geetha Krishnan
Dr. Geetha Krishnan’s influence extends across several high-impact areas within the WHO’s TCIM framework. She plays a vital coordinating role for the WHO Traditional Medicine (TM) Summit. This summit is a significant global event that convenes experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategic directions and foster international collaboration in the field. Therefore, her coordination ensures these crucial dialogues lead to actionable outcomes.
Furthermore, her contributions to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) Traditional Medicine chapter are particularly noteworthy. The inclusion of TM modules in ICD-11 marks a historic step in recognizing and integrating traditional medicine systems into global health information systems. Dr. Krishnan’s work in this area facilitates standardized data collection and reporting on TM practices, which is essential for policy development and health service planning. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of TCIM’s role in global health.
Dr. Krishnan actively supports WHO member states in their efforts to integrate TCIM into their national health systems. This involves providing technical guidance, sharing best practices, and facilitating the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks. Moreover, her commitment to evidence-based practice is underscored by her publications, particularly on the safety of Ayurveda. These publications contribute valuable knowledge to the field, promoting the safe and effective use of Ayurvedic medicine. The work of Geetha Krishnan is thus instrumental in ensuring that TCIM is integrated responsibly and effectively for global public health.
Her leadership in these diverse areas demonstrates a comprehensive approach to advancing TCIM. From establishing clinical benchmarks and promoting research to shaping international classifications and supporting member states, Dr. Krishnan’s work is vital for strengthening the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in achieving universal health coverage and well-being. This multifaceted engagement ensures that traditional knowledge is respected while being grounded in scientific evidence.
Access Geetha Krishnan’s publications and contributions via ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4255-5819