New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): In an effort to encourage research in Unani system of medicine , Ministry of Ayush , the Indian government has established the Central Council for Research in Unani System of Medicine (CCRUN) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bangalore, for educational and research purposes in Unani system of medicine The announcement stated that this involves both the creation of novel medications and carrying out scientifically-driven clinical trials.
A 200-bed hospital affiliated with the National Institute of Unani Medicine has been set up in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, there are 21 clinical institutes or units operating nationwide under the purview of the CCRUM.
Both CCRUM and NIUM have undertaken numerous clinical research studies focusing on different illnesses such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, anemia, anxiety, depressive disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and lifestyle-related issues including hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. They also cover various dermatological problems like vitiligo among others, according to the statement.
For integrating Ayush systems, such as Unani, with contemporary medical practices, the Ministry of Ayush is taking multiple initiatives.
The initiatives encompass an Ayush Vertical within the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), which was set up. Ministry of Ayush And the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), acting as an exclusive organizational structure for strategizing, overseeing, and managing healthcare initiatives specific to Ayush.
The department offers technical assistance to both ministries in formulating strategies related to public health, healthcare, Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa education along with training programs, as stated.
The Ayush department under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has released standard treatment guidelines (STG) for prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on their prevention and management using Ayush methodologies, which encompass the Unani system as well.
In order to boost the capabilities of Ayush practitioners, the Ayush department, along with the Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB), has organized nationwide master training sessions at the national level. These initiatives were carried out across various states to effectively distribute the newly developed Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) to final users.
The Ministry of Ayush The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has collaborated with others to create Integrated Ayush Departments within Central Government Hospitals, aiming to advance integrative healthcare services. Under this program, the Department of Integrative Medicine has been launched and is functioning effectively at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital as well as Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi.
The Indian government has implemented a policy of co-locating AYUSH services within Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs). This initiative allows patients to access various medical systems conveniently through one integrated service point.
The involvement of Ayush practitioners and paramedics along with their training is backed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Meanwhile, assistance for Ayush infrastructure, including equipment/furniture and medicines, is offered through this program as well. Ministry of Ayush Under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) with shared responsibilities.
To integrate Unani medicine into the national healthcare framework, CCRUM has established health services via extension/relocation centers at key locations including RML Hospital - New Delhi, DDU Hospital – New Delhi, AIIA - New Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital - New Delhi, AYUSH Wellness Center located within President House in New Delhi, JJ Hospital - Mumbai, and an additional research center for Unani in Kannur, Kerala. These initiatives aim to ensure that Unani treatments become more readily available and cost-effective for everyone.
The Ministry of Ayush , initiated the Central Sector Scheme aimed at Promoting International Collaboration for AYUSH.
Through this initiative, the Ministry supports Indian AYUSH pharmaceutical manufacturers/service providers to enhance exports of AYUSH goods and services. It aids in global promotion, advancement, and acknowledgment of AYUSH medical practices. The program encourages stakeholder engagement and develops markets for AYUSH internationally. Additionally, it promotes education and research by setting up AYUSH academic chairs abroad and organizing workshops/seminars aimed at increasing understanding and enthusiasm regarding AYUSH medicinal systems globally.
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is actively involved in several efforts to promote Unani Medicine. These include offering treatments via General Outpatient Departments, Reproductive and Child Health clinics, Geriatrics units, as well as non-communicable disease clinics managed by 21 different Clinical Institutes/Units under their supervision. Additionally, they spread awareness about this form of medicine at events like Arogya fairs, Health Melas, Health Camps, and exhibitions. Furthermore, CCRUM extends healthcare services through mobile research programs focused on clinical care, school health initiatives, and targeted mobile health projects aimed at scheduled castes and tribal communities.
The CCRUM is undertaking multiple research initiatives, encompassing both preclinical and clinical studies, as well as drug standardization and foundational research, with the aim of ensuring these resources are accessible and affordable for everyone.
Five mobile apps have been created, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ilaj-bit Tadbeer (IBT) are currently under development. Additionally, Standard Treatment Guidelines for musculoskeletal disorders have been established.
To establish uniform standards and oversight for the Unani system of medicine, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) announced regulations and developed a Competency-Based Dynamic Curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
The Ministry of Ayush The Government of India has set up the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy (PCIM&H) as an attached office. In this capacity, PCIM&H acts on behalf of Ministry of Ayush establishes the Formulary guidelines and Pharmacopoeial Standards for Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathic (ASU&H) medications. These official references are used to ensure the Quality Control (including identity, purity, and potency) of ASU&H medicines listed within them, adhering to the provisions set forth under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940 and associated Rules from 1945. Compliance with these standards is required for producing, selling, or storing ASU&H products in India.
The quality criteria encompassed within the Pharmacopeias and Formularies for Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathic (ASU&H) medicines—regulatory requirements deemed obligatory—are being aligned with those stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as other prominent pharmacopeias used globally.
Adhering to these pharmacopeial standards guarantees that medications meet high-quality benchmarks regarding consistency, identity, purity, and potency.
The certification scheme for Pharmaceutical Products (COPP), adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, now includes Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) medications. Administered by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), this program issues certificates following a collaborative review of the applicant’s production facility involving inspectors from both CDSCO and relevant authorities. Ministry of Ayush along with the relevant State Licensing Body.
The Ministry of Ayush has introduced a Central Sector Scheme named Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY).
The goals of this scheme encompass boosting India’s production capacity and export potential for conventional medications and wellness items as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat program. Additionally, the plan aims at providing sufficient infrastructure and promoting technological improvements along with organizational initiatives within both governmental and corporate realms. This effort focuses on ensuring standardized practices, high-quality manufacturing processes, and rigorous analytical tests for Ayurvedic, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy goods and substances.
Other objectives include strengthening the regulatory frameworks at Central and State level for effective quality control, safety monitoring and surveillance of misleading advertisements of Ayush drugs and encouraging building up synergies, collaborations and convergent approaches for promoting standards and quality of Ayush drugs & materials.
The details were provided by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in a written response during proceedings in the Lok Sabha today. (ANI)