On February 11, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an international conference on Unani medicine at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organized by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) under the Ministry of Ayush. The event, titled “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward”, marked the Unani Day celebrations and focused on Unani medicine’s role in contemporary healthcare.
Why is Unani Day Important?
Unani Day is observed to honor Hakim Ajmal Khan, a renowned Unani physician, freedom fighter, and educationist. Since 2016, this day has been celebrated to recognize his contributions to the Unani system of medicine in India. President Murmu paid tribute to him, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation in Unani medicine to ensure its relevance in modern healthcare.
How is the Government Supporting Unani Medicine?
India has a strong network of institutions dedicated to Unani education, research, and healthcare. The President noted the government’s commitment to mainstreaming traditional medicine, as reflected in the National Health Policy 2017. She highlighted the introduction of MD and PhD programs in Unani colleges, ensuring that the next generation of medical professionals continues to strengthen this ancient system. The conference also focused on evidence-based research, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Unani medicine, and how modern technology can help enhance its credibility.
What Were the Key Highlights of the Conference?
The two-day event provided a global platform for knowledge exchange, with participation from countries like the USA, South Africa, Iran, Malaysia, UAE, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Discussions revolved around:
- Global collaboration in Unani research
- Modernizing Unani medicine using AI and molecular biology
- Promoting Unani’s role in holistic healthcare
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), stressed the importance of scientific validation of Unani medicine through advanced research. Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), emphasized the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science to make Unani medicine more effective.
Summary of the news
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the International Conference on Unani Medicine at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on February 11, 2025, organized by CCRUM under the Ministry of Ayush, marking Unani Day. The event focused on innovation, AI integration, global collaboration, and scientific validation of Unani medicine. |
| Event Title | “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward” |
| Organizing Body | Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under Ministry of Ayush |
| Unani Day | Observed in honor of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a Unani physician, freedom fighter, and educationist |
| Unani Day First Observed | 2016 |
| Key Focus Areas | AI in Unani medicine, evidence-based research, modernization, and global partnerships |
| National Health Policy 2017 | Focuses on mainstreaming AYUSH systems, including Unani medicine |
| Countries Participating | USA, South Africa, Iran, Malaysia, UAE, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh |
| Union Ministers Present | Dr. Jitendra Singh (MoS, Independent Charge), Shri Prataprao Jadhav (MoS, Independent Charge) |
| Modernization Efforts | Integration of AI, molecular biology, and scientific validation in Unani medicine |
| Static GK: President of India | Droupadi Murmu |
| Static GK: Ministry of Ayush | Minister: Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
|
| Static GK: Capital of India | New Delhi |
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