New Delhi: In a grand ceremony held at Pusa, New Delhi, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, emphasized India’s global leadership in Traditional Medicine during the inauguration of Unani Day 2024 and the National Conference on Unani Medicine for One Earth, One Health. The event, organized by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), brought together prominent figures in the field of healthcare, research, and traditional medicine.
Highlighting the importance of evidence-based scientific research, Secretary Kotecha underscored the substantial research data generated in the Ayush sector. He spoke about the significance of Unani Medicine in alleviating the suffering of people and emphasized the shared responsibility for the planet’s welfare, aligning with the theme of Unani Day 2024, “Unani Medicine for One Earth, One Health.”
The chief guest, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, spoke about the Indian government’s commitment to integrating and promoting traditional systems of medicine, including Unani. He praised the holistic approach to healthcare and preventive measures offered by these traditional systems. He acknowledged the visionary support of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which has led to significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure, research collaborations, export promotion mechanisms, educational reforms, and the global expansion of India’s traditional medicine system.
Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General of CCRUM, paid tribute to the revered freedom fighter Hakim Ajmal Khan, a pioneer of scientific research in Unani Medicine in India. He emphasized Unani Day as a special occasion to acknowledge the significant role Unani Medicine has played in alleviating the suffering of the masses.
Several publications and e-books, a Mobile App on Unani compound drugs, and a documentary developed by CCRUM were released during the event. NABH and NABL certificates were awarded to four CCRUM institutes, signifying their commitment to quality healthcare. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between CCRUM and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, marking a significant collaboration.
Technical sessions featured experts and luminaries from the field of health sciences sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise on various aspects of the conference theme. A panel discussion, chaired by Prof. Asim Ali Khan, Chairman, SAC, CCRUM, delved into the conference’s theme, fostering engagement among stakeholders from industry, academia, and research organizations dedicated to the development of Unani Medicine and related health sciences.
The event concluded with the release of printed books and e-books by CCRUM, covering a range of topics from classical and evidence-based Unani drugs to technical reports and pharmacopoeial studies. Appreciation certificates were awarded to CCRUM scientists for their outstanding research papers, further celebrating the dedication and contribution to the field of traditional medicine.
Unani Day 2024 not only celebrated the rich heritage of Unani Medicine but also reinforced India’s commitment to global health and well-being through traditional systems of medicine. The collaborative efforts showcased during the event pave the way for future advancements and collaborations in the field of traditional medicine.
