Secy H&ME stresses integration of ISM with modern medicine
Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, today stressed the need to integrate Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) with modern medicine for the health and well-being of people, noting its deep-rooted cultural significance and continued relevance even in modern times.
He told media persons on the sidelines of an event at SKICC held on the occasion of World Unani Day-2024. “Our country has a history of thousands of years, and the systems of medicine that exist have evolved and are robust in measures and time-tested; there is a need to find a way to integrate them with modern, contemporary medicine for the well-being of the people,” he said.
He mentioned that AYUSH, or ISM, has its advantages, being time-tested and efficacious. “It is deeply rooted in our culture and tradition, and the need of the hour is to integrate it so that people across the board understand its advantages and benefits.”
Earlier, addressing the gathering, the Secretary stated that Unani is perceived as one of the most ancient and well-documented systems of medicine, equally relevant in modern times.
“Its holistic approach, whether for healthy individuals or for those with diseases, remains unmatched. Prevention of disease and promotion of health is the main aim of Unani,” he said.
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He emphasized that AYUSH systems have a history of providing cures for thousands of years, and the need of the hour is to augment modern research methodologies in AYUSH “so that an integrated approach is developed to provide the best healthcare facilities to patients.”
Dr. Abid highlighted that AYUSH systems of Medicine have a more realistic view of disease “because they consider several factors contributing to the origin of most diseases” and put great emphasis on lifestyle management for the promotion of health, prevention, and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases. (NCDs).
On the occasion, the Secretary directed the holding of capacity-building programs for AYUSH Medical and Para-Medical Staff for better skill development.
He also stressed the need for further Research and Development programs in AYUSH to make it popular globally, expressing hope that Unani, with its divine healing properties, can become a world leader in providing alternative healthcare to people.
Director AYUSH, J&K, Dr. Mohan Singh, while speaking at the event, said that the day is celebrated to further promote Unani into the mainstream and focus on the strengths of Unani and its unique treatment principles.
He informed that under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 483 Standalone Government Ayush Dispensaries have been upgraded to AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres, and J&K was awarded NABH Accreditation for 5 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centers in Phallian, Sunjwan, and Khandwal of Jammu District, and Jib and Dalpad of Udhampur District.
He further informed that a proposal for starting a 2-year Diploma in Panchkarma Therapy Technician Course at Government Ayurvedic Hospital Jammu and Government Unani Hospital Shalteng Srinagar has been approved by the Para-Medical Council and will be started shortly.
Dr. Singh also informed that the proposals for establishing Government Ayurvedic Medical College in Kashmir, 4 Centers of Excellence under AYUSH, 2 Centers of Excellence of Medicinal Plants and Pharmaceutics to be established in the premises of the Institute of High Altitude Medicinal Plants at Bhaderwah, and 2 Centers of Excellence in AYUSH Multispecialty Services, one each in Government Medical College, Jammu, and Government Unani Hospital, Shalteng Srinagar, have been submitted to the Ministry of AYUSH for approval.
Apart from the Secretary, H&ME, and Director AYUSH, J&K, the event was attended by Principal GMC, Srinagar, Dr. Masood Tanveer, Principal Govt Unani Medical College Ganderbal Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Rather. The theme of the event was “Unani Medicine-One Earth, One Health”.
