Unani Day: A Step Forward for Traditional Medicine

Context

• On February 11 each year people observe Unani Day to recognize Hakim Ajmal Khan’s vital role in India’s Unani medical sector and healthcare development. 
• Unani Day serves to educate people about Unani medicine’s current healthcare value and worldwide health issue solution capability.

About

• The present year’s conference welcomes influential figures who include Dr. Jitendra Singh from the Ministry of Science and Technology & Ministry of Earth Sciences and Shri Prataprao Jadhav who holds positions as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. The government demonstrates its dedication to conventional medical approaches like Unani medicine by their attendance at this conference.
• Unani Day serves as an important milestone that advances the status of traditional medicine systems in the medical field.
• Smt. Droupadi Murmu who holds the office of President in India will officially inaugurate a two-day International Conference on Unani Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on February 11 2025. 
• The annual event honors Hakim Ajmal Khan through commemoration of his birth anniversary that made him known for his roles as Unani physician and educator and freedom fighter. The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) operates under the Ministry of Ayush to organize the conference which features “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward” as its main focus.

Objectives of the Conference

The International Conference aims to:

• Foster Innovation: Explore new advancements in Unani medicine for integrative healthcare.
• The conference should act as a platform to create networks that allow experts working across international systems to exchange information.
• The organization should spotlight the recent research accomplishments along with medical innovations performed by CCRUM.

Key Highlights of the Event

During the event various significant activities take place.

• Experts deliver keynote addresses during scientific sessions which focus on implementing Unani medicine within modern healthcare systems.
• Exhibition: A display of innovations in Unani and herbal pharmaceuticals, educational institutions, and research organizations.
• Deliberations at the event will benefit from international participants who represent the United States, South Africa, Iran, Malaysia, UAE, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Government’s Commitment to Unani Medicine

• Shri Prataprao Jadhav discussed the event by expressing how the government is committed to integrating Unani medicine across worldwide healthcare systems. He declared that through innovative partnerships we will protect traditional healthcare methods without neglecting present health needs. India’s government is dedicated to developing Unani medicine as a means to benefit public health and worldwide medical systems.
• Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha from the Ministry of Ayush made it clear that India dedicates itself to traditional medicine through research center foundation and Ayush system policy integration. According to him the event would display current developments in Unani medicine while demonstrating its role in comprehensive healthcare methods.

Special Activities

Key activities which will happen during the conference consist of several critical events.

• The CCRUM plans to release different publications consisting of the conference souvenir at the end of the International Conference.
• The conference will distribute NABL and NABH certificates to CCRUM institutions combined with appreciation awards for exceptional work and top-rated performance of institutions from CCRUM.
• The conference will present a brief video to showcase recent activities at CCRUM.

Conclusion

• The International Conference on Unani Day functions as an essential initiative for combining traditional medicine with contemporary medical practices. 
• The event supports arrangements of innovation while building connections across global research communities while demonstrating India’s developments in Unani medical practices. 
• Through this event we pay tribute to our history because Unani medical practices will contribute effectively to achieving whole-health solutions that benefit worldwide populations.

Source: Press Information Bureau

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Critically examine the challenges and opportunities in promoting traditional medicine like Unani in India’s healthcare framework.

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