Ayush Ministry's Efforts to Combine Unani with Contemporary Medicine: Prataprao Jadhav
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Synopsis
The Ministry of Ayush is enhancing the integration of Unani medicine with modern healthcare through various initiatives, including the establishment of institutes and mobile applications for improved treatment accessibility.
Key Takeaways
- Integration of Unani with modern medicine.
- Establishment of CCRUM and NIUM for research.
- Development of new drugs and clinical trials.
- Mobile applications to improve accessibility.
- Co-location of AYUSH facilities in health centers.
New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) The Ministry of Ayush is undertaking various initiatives to merge Ayush systems, including Unani, with modern medicine, as stated by the government.
In a written response in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that the government has established the Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bengaluru, aimed at education and research in the Unani system.
This includes the formulation of new medications and conducting scientifically backed clinical trials.
“A satellite institute of the National Institute of Unani Medicine with a 200-bedded hospital has also been set up in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In total, there are 21 clinical institutes/units operating under the CCRUM nationwide,” Jadhav remarked.
These clinical institutes/units offer treatment through general OPD, reproductive and child health OPD, geriatric OPD, non-communicable diseases clinics, etc.
“Both CCRUM and NIUM have initiated multiple clinical research studies targeting various ailments, including arthritis, bronchial asthma, anaemia, anxiety, depressive disorders, neuro-degenerative diseases, and lifestyle-related issues like hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, along with various skin conditions like vitiligo,” stated the MoS.
To elevate Ayush and Unani within the mainstream healthcare framework of the nation, the CCRUM is offering healthcare services through relocation/extension centers at several government hospitals, making Unani treatment more accessible and affordable.
The CCRUM is also pursuing diverse research programs, including pre-clinical and clinical studies, drug standardization research, and fundamental research, to enhance public accessibility and affordability.
Five mobile applications have been launched, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Ilaj-bit Tadbeer (IBT) are in development. Standard Treatment Guidelines for Musculoskeletal disorders have also been created.
Additional initiatives include the Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which serves as a dedicated institutional framework for planning, monitoring, and overseeing Ayush-specific public health programs.
This vertical extends technical support to both Ministries in devising strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training, Jadhav mentioned.
Moreover, the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) have collaboratively established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare.
As part of this initiative, the Department of Integrative Medicine has been inaugurated and is currently functional at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, along with Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi.
The government has also embraced a strategy of co-locating AYUSH facilities at primary health centers (PHCs), community health centers (CHCs), and district hospitals (DHs), thus providing patients the option to choose different systems of medicine at a single location.
