By M M Special Correspondent
New Delhi: The 26th General Body meeting of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress expressed concern over the discrimination being meted out with Unani medicine in the National Health Mission recruitment drive. The meeting pointed out that taking the advantage of the circular on bridge course issued by the joint secretary in the AYUSH ministry, Government of India; more than a dozen state governments have recruited Ayurveda graduates into NHM through its director. It said even after carving out the separate ministry of AYUSH, the bureaucratic discrimination with Unani medicine is continued.
In this regard, the Tibbi Congress passed a resolution demanding that the central government should recruit Unani graduates in NHM at the state level. It also appealed to the Prime Minister to address this issue.
The meeting also resolved that it will oppose any move to bifurcate the historic institution Tibbia College Karol Bagh with tooth and nail which was founded by Maseehul Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan, the saviour of Unani and Ayurveda in the country.
The Tibbi Congress strongly urged the Delhi government not to bifurcate the historic the Unani and Ayurveda College as it pointed towards the mischief of the Director AYUSH, Delhi government Mr. Sanjay Giyahar who issued two orders for appointing separate principals for the Unani and Ayurveda for the same college.
In another resolution, Tibbi Congress urged the UP and Bihar governments to introduce postgraduate courses in the government Unani Medical Colleges.
The meeting, presided over by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, national president, deliberated upon the problems faced by the Unani medicine in various states and at the national level.
In his presidential remarks, Dr. Mushtaq urged the delegates to work diligently and sincerely for the betterment of the Unani medicine as its future is very bright. He said the Unani medicine has been getting a foothold in foreign countries because it is an effective and harmless way of treatment.
Tibbi Congress patron Dr. Syed Farooq suggested that Unani Medicine’s claim for treatment of any ailment must be based on sound scientific basis and research. It often comes to notice that certain Unani drugs being prescribed in India failed in foreign countries, Dr. Farooq pointed out. We should take up this issue with the right earnestly and try to strengthen and develop research and development culture in Unani Medicine, he said.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Punjab Health Director, who was the chief guest of the function, regretted that Unani medicine did not get the due place in Punjab because of some technical reasons. He, however, assured that he would extend all help to the promotion of Unani Tibb in Punjab. He said Dr. Shafiq Ahmad; (the president of Tibbi Congress, Punjab unit) has done a historic feat by setting up an Unani medicine College which would revive the Unani Tibb in the state.
On the occasion, Prof M A Farooqui has delivered a lecture on the Hijama or cupping therapy. In his comprehensive talk, Prof Farooqui stated that Hijama is a unique standing in the Tibb Nabavi and it is different from all other treatments of medicine as well as very effective. He also suggested that a diploma course in Hijama should be introduced. This suggestion was unanimously approved at the meeting and it also decided that a plan would be chalked out shortly for its introduction.
Seconding his views, Mufti (Dr) Mukaram Ahmad said Hijama is a pious treatment and it should be getting done by a qualified and trained Unani doctor.
Jamia Sanabil rector, Maulana Mohammad Rahmani urged the Unani physicians to treat patients with courteousness and civility. He said treating patients is a very noble job but some greedy doctors indulged in corrupt practices and exploit patients by way of asking them to do the unnecessary medical test and prescribed excessive drugs for minor ailments. He also urged the audience to upkeep surroundings as Islam gives much more emphasis on hygiene and pollution-free environment.
During the meeting, two opinions emerged over the issue of bridge course. Dr. Mohammad Younus Munshi and Prof Fazalullah Qadri were of the firm view that the course would harm the cause of Unani. However, Prof Ghulam Qutub Chishty and Prof Syed Shafiq Naqvi said from the employment point view, the bridge course will be very beneficial for Unani graduates. They said Ayurveda graduates have been getting employment in the National Health Mission through bridge course, then why Unani graduates do not get the benefit of it. President Mushtaq Ahmad has put his stamp on this suggestion and said the Tibbi Congress would continue to support bridge course.
On the occasion, Dr. Ataullah Sharief stressed the need of improving the standard of CCRUM and expediting research activity in it. He also suggested that this institution should be made popular among masses.
In his address, Tibbi Congress secretary general Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan said any organization’s survival depends on the active support of its members and we need such support from members.
Earlier, the fourth edition of “Tauzeehaat Kuliayat Adviyaa” was released in the function. This book was written Prof Abdul Lateef who teaches at Aligarh Muslim University. Prof (Dr) Abdul Rauf, Hakim Ajmal Khan College, AMU, has presented a brief commentary on the book.
These are not doctors.. unless they are Phd also.
They are all Hakeems who go to modern Cardiologists and physicians to treat their own hypertension and heart disease.
Neem hakeem khatraye jaan!
If they are talented and sincere, they will get into scientific medicine on their merit and do great service to the community and nation.