Our Correspondent / AHMEDABAD
A major push to strengthen Unani medicine in Gujarat emerged from a doctors’ meeting in Ahmedabad, where practitioners and experts called for greater institutional representation, expanded research and academic infrastructure, and the establishment of a regional research institute of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) in the state. The meeting also sought renewed efforts to restore the prominence of Unani medicine in Gujarat.
The Unani Doctors Meet, organised under the banner of the Gujarat unit of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress, was held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Bhavan in Ahmedabad. Unani physicians, medical experts, social workers and intellectuals from different parts of the country participated in the meeting and discussed measures to strengthen Unani medicine in Gujarat.
Local councillor Mushtaq Khadivala, who was the chief guest, assured the gathering that every possible effort would be made to restore the lost prominence of Unani medicine in Gujarat. He also assured support in addressing the concerns of Unani practitioners and promoting the system of medicine in the state.
The meeting was presided over by Professor Syed Mohammad Arif, former Dean of Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Dr Syed Ahmed Khan, General Secretary of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress, said Gujarat has considerable potential for the development of Unani medicine, but this requires concrete initiatives at the institutional level.
He said the meeting unanimously demanded adequate representation for Unani medicine in the Gujarat Unani and Ayurvedic Council, in line with the number and contribution of Unani practitioners in the state.
Another key demand was the establishment of a regional research institute of CCRUM in Gujarat. Dr Khan said such an institute would provide a major impetus to research, education and healthcare services in Unani medicine and would benefit not only Gujarat but also patients and practitioners from neighbouring states.
“Gujarat has significant potential for the development of Unani medicine. However, this potential can be realised only through sustained and concrete institutional initiatives,” Dr Khan said.
He added that strengthening research and academic infrastructure would help expand the evidence base of Unani medicine while creating better opportunities for doctors, students and patients. The All India Unani Tibbi Congress, he said, would continue to work for the development of the system and for resolving the professional concerns of Unani practitioners.
Doctors and prominent personalities from several parts of the country attended the meeting. Those present included Dr Mohammad Aslam of Aligarh, Dr Mohammad Rafiq, Dr Abdul Majeed Qasmi, Dr Faizan Ahmad Siddiqui, Dr Mahmood Alam, Dr Ejaz Ali Qadri, Hakim Mohammad Murtaza Dehlavi and Mohammad Imran Kannauji.
Dr Sheikh Mohammad Yaqoob from Nagpur and Professor Abdur Rahman Saudagar from Aurangabad also participated in the programme.
Among others who contributed to the success of the event were Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ansari, Dr Samiullah Khan Pathan, Dr Tahir Rajput, Dr Tamim Qureshi and senior journalist Sahil Qureshi.
The programme was conducted by Dr Yasir Qureshi, while Dr Akbar Shergaonkar proposed the vote of thanks.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Unani medical institutions, expanding research and educational facilities and making Unani medicine a more active and effective component of the healthcare system in Gujarat.