The Journey of Unani Medicine in Independent India

 

The Journey of Unani Medicine in Independent India

Introduction

Unani medicine, one of the oldest systems of traditional healing, has a rich and enduring legacy. Rooted in the Greco-Arabic medical traditions of Hippocrates and Galen, it was later refined by Persian and Arab physicians like Avicenna. In India, Unani medicine was introduced during the medieval period by the Arabs and Persians and flourished under the patronage of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. However, the most fascinating and resilient chapter in its history began after India gained independence in 1947. Since then, Unani medicine has transitioned from a marginalized traditional practice to a recognized and institutionalized healthcare system. This essay explores the journey of Unani medicine in post-independence India, highlighting its struggles, evolution, institutional support, integration into the national healthcare system, and contemporary relevance.

The Post-Independence Scenario: Rebuilding Identity

At the time of independence, Unani medicine faced neglect due to colonial biases that favored Western medicine. The British colonial administration considered traditional systems, including Unani and Ayurveda, unscientific and primitive. As a result, Unani practitioners struggled to maintain credibility and were largely excluded from formal healthcare structures.

However, the newly independent Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, emphasized cultural revival and national identity. Recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge systems, the government initiated efforts to rejuvenate Unani medicine. The establishment of the Ministry of Health and Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) in 1969 marked the beginning of formal support to traditional practices, including Unani.

Institutional Development and Education

One of the major milestones in the post-independence journey of Unani medicine was the establishment of educational institutions. The government understood the need for systematic education and research to preserve and modernize the practice. The National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) was established in 1984 in Bengaluru as a premier institution for postgraduate education and research in Unani medicine.

Other notable institutions like Jamia Hamdard in New Delhi, founded in 1989, played a critical role in promoting Unani education and integrating it with modern scientific methodologies. Numerous Government Unani Medical Colleges and affiliated universities across the country started offering degrees such as BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery) and MD (Unani), producing qualified Unani practitioners equipped with both traditional knowledge and modern medical understanding.

Research and Standardization

In the initial years, one of the challenges Unani medicine faced was the lack of standardized pharmacopoeia and scientific validation. To address this, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) was established in 1978 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The council has since been instrumental in conducting clinical and literary research, drug standardization, and documentation of traditional knowledge.

The publication of the National Formulary of Unani Medicine, and various Unani pharmacopoeias, helped in legitimizing and standardizing Unani medicines. Through scientific clinical trials, research on efficacy, and toxicology studies, Unani medicine began gaining credibility within academic and health policy circles.

Integration into National Healthcare

The Indian government gradually started integrating Unani medicine into the public health system. Unani dispensaries and hospitals were established under various state governments. The National AYUSH Mission, launched in 2014, was a turning point that aimed at promoting Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy by providing financial and infrastructural support to AYUSH institutions.

Through this mission, Unani clinics and hospitals received funding for infrastructure development, practitioner training, and patient outreach programs. Today, there are over 1,000 Unani healthcare centers across India, many functioning alongside allopathic hospitals, offering patients a choice in their treatment options.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

To regulate Unani education and practice, the Indian government passed the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970, which established the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM). The council regulates education standards, maintains registers of qualified practitioners, and ensures ethical practice.

In 2021, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) replaced CCIM, enhancing transparency and efficiency in regulation. This development signifies the government's increasing seriousness in integrating traditional systems like Unani into the mainstream healthcare regulatory framework.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite institutional support, Unani medicine continues to face several challenges. The lack of sufficient clinical evidence, slow pace of modernization, and limited funding for research remain major concerns. Skepticism from the allopathic community also hinders wider acceptance.

Furthermore, there is a need for better public awareness about Unani medicine’s scope and effectiveness. The traditional language of instruction—mainly Urdu and Arabic—also limits its accessibility to the broader population and researchers.

Another concern is the shortage of medicinal plants and herbs used in Unani formulations, many of which are endangered. Conservation and sustainable cultivation of these herbs are crucial for the survival of this system.

Global Recognition and Modernization

In recent years, Unani medicine has received increasing global attention. India has taken active steps to promote it on international platforms through AYUSH expos, international conferences, and collaborations. Countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, which share cultural and historical ties with the Unani tradition, are especially receptive.

Digitization of Unani texts, modern packaging of medicines, and incorporation of diagnostic technologies have helped bring Unani medicine into the 21st century. Many Unani pharmacies now offer GMP-certified products, and research collaborations with allopathic institutions are underway to validate Unani formulations scientifically.

The Role of Unani in Public Health and Lifestyle

Unani medicine has always emphasized holistic health, disease prevention, and lifestyle regulation. Its four-humor theory—balancing blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—remains a central tenet. Unani treatments focus on detoxification, diet therapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza), pharmacotherapy (Ilaj bil Dawa), and regimental therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Unani formulations were recommended under AYUSH guidelines for immunity enhancement and symptom relief. This demonstrated Unani's potential role in preventive care and public health.

Conclusion

The journey of Unani medicine in independent India is a remarkable tale of revival, resilience, and reform. From a system once sidelined during colonial rule, it has now become a legally recognized and institutionally supported branch of Indian healthcare. Backed by research, education, and public policy, Unani medicine continues to serve millions and is now stepping into the global arena.

While challenges persist, especially around modernization and scientific validation, the foundation laid in the past 75+ years is strong. With sustained governmental support, practitioner commitment, and public awareness, Unani medicine holds the promise to contribute significantly to holistic healthcare not only in India but across the world.