The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is taking major steps to promote Unani medicine and integrate it with modern healthcare systems. Through focused research, quality control, and institutional development, India is aiming to make Unani medicine more accessible, evidence-based, and globally recognized.
Key Institutions Supporting Unani Medicine
To strengthen education and research in the Unani system, the Ministry has established:
- Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) in New Delhi
- National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bengaluru
- A satellite NIUM institute with a 200-bed hospital in Ghaziabad, UP
- 21 Clinical Institutes and Units across India under CCRUM
These institutions focus on developing new Unani drugs, conducting clinical trials, and researching diseases like arthritis, asthma, anemia, depression, diabetes, and skin disorders like vitiligo.
Steps Towards Integration with Modern Medicine
To bring Ayush systems, including Unani, into the mainstream, the Ministry has introduced:
- Ayush Vertical under DGHS: A joint initiative with the Ministry of Health to plan and monitor Ayush programs.
- Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for musculoskeletal disorders based on Ayush practices.
- Training of Ayush doctors nationwide in these STGs.
- Integrated Ayush Departments in top government hospitals like Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and VMMC.
- Co-location of Ayush services at PHCs, CHCs, and District Hospitals.
Making Unani Medicine More Accessible
CCRUM is expanding Unani services through:
- OPDs for general health, child and reproductive health, geriatrics, and non-communicable diseases.
- Mobile health services, school health programs, and special care under Scheduled Caste/Tribal Sub Plans.
- Awareness efforts like Arogyas, Health Melas, and health camps.
Strengthening Unani Drug Quality and Standards
The government is ensuring the safety, purity, and effectiveness of Unani medicines through:
- Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H): Sets standards for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs.
- Quality regulations aligned with WHO guidelines.
- Certification of Pharmaceutical Products (COPP) for Unani drugs through CDSCO.
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and mobile apps for Unani treatments.
Promoting International Cooperation and Exports
The Ministry of Ayush is also working to take Unani medicine global by:
- Setting up AYUSH Academic Chairs abroad.
- Supporting Indian manufacturers and service providers to promote exports.
- Organizing international workshops and training programs.
Boosting Manufacturing & Quality Through AOGUSY Scheme
The Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) supports:
- Modernizing manufacturing facilities.
- Enhancing quality testing and standardization of drugs.
- Strengthening regulatory systems and cracking down on misleading ads.
- Encouraging collaborations for quality and safety.
Final Thoughts
India is taking bold steps to integrate the rich heritage of Unani medicine with modern medical practices. Through research, regulation, and infrastructure, the Ministry of Ayush is creating a more inclusive, holistic, and science-backed healthcare system.
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