Strengthening Unani Medicine Through Research & Clinical Integration
New Delhi, March 30, 2025 – The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, is making significant strides in integrating Unani medicine with modern healthcare. To advance Unani research, the government has established:
- Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), New Delhi
- National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru
- A satellite NIUM institute with a 200-bed hospital in Ghaziabad
- 21 Clinical Institutes/Units across the country
These institutions are conducting clinical research on diseases such as arthritis, asthma, anemia, anxiety, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and vitiligo.
Government Initiatives for Unani Integration
The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), is taking key steps to integrate Unani medicine into India’s mainstream healthcare system:
1. Ayush Vertical in DGHS
A dedicated Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) provides technical support and strategic planning for Ayush-based public health initiatives.
2. Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) for Musculoskeletal Disorders
The Ayush Vertical has published Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) for musculoskeletal disorders, training doctors nationwide in their application.
3. Integrative Medicine Departments in Hospitals
Integrated Ayush Departments have been established in major government hospitals, including:
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi
4. Co-location of AYUSH Facilities in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs)
Patients can now choose Unani treatments at PHCs, CHCs, and DHs, supported by MoH&FW (doctors/paramedics) and Ministry of AYUSH (infrastructure & medicines).
5. Unani Healthcare Expansion in Leading Hospitals
Unani treatment is now available at:
- Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital, New Delhi
- All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi
- Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
- Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy (JJ) Hospital, Mumbai
- AYUSH Wellness Centre, President’s House, New Delhi
- Extension Research Centre for Unani, Kannur, Kerala
Boosting AYUSH Internationally
The Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation aims to:
- Support AYUSH drug manufacturers for global exports
- Establish AYUSH academic chairs in foreign universities
- Organize international training workshops & symposiums
Regulation & Quality Control of Unani Medicines
To standardize Unani medicines, the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) ensures:
- Quality control of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathic (ASU&H) drugs
- Compliance with WHO pharmacopoeial standards
- Certification of Pharmaceutical Products (COPP) as per WHO guidelines
Atmanirbhar Bharat & AYUSH Manufacturing Growth
Under the Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY), the Ministry is:
- Enhancing India’s Ayush manufacturing and exports
- Supporting technological upgrades in drug production
- Strengthening safety monitoring and quality control
With these initiatives, the AYUSH Ministry is positioning Unani medicine as a key component of India’s integrative healthcare system while ensuring scientific validation, global recognition, and accessibility.
