New Delhi: Alarmed by the Delhi government and Department of AYUSH’s continuous bias attitude towards Unani medicine in the National Capital, Unani practitioners and sympathizers have formed a Joint Action Committee which will strive to safeguard the interest of Unani medicine. In recent years, Unani medicine witnessed steady decline as the local Delhi government did not fill the vacancies of Unani posts which have been lying for years resulting in closure of the Unani dispensaries and Unani sections in government hospitals at many places in the city.
Deeply concerned with the state of affairs in Unani, members of JAC said the Ayurveda is being pampered by the administration and AYUSH department while injustice is being done with the Unani medicine. They have recounted a long list of injustices meted out with Unani medicine and its physicians.
First and foremost is the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College in Karol Bagh which was founded by Hakim Ajmal Khan. The College has a huge campus and is being run by the AYUSH department which did establish an Ayurveda Institute there but did not expand the Unani seats as the campus has the capacity of accommodating more than 100 students. Since a long time only 40 students are being admitted in the Unani degree course. They have strong apprehension that the administration may get rid of the Unani course any time as the Delhi government is constructing its office buildings and shopping complex in the campus.
There is also no good omen for Unani medicine in Jamia Hamdard which owes to its existence to Unani but rampant commercialization has put the continuation of Unani in jeopardy. The University was established by late Hakim Abdul Hamid who was considered as the doyen of Unani Tibb after Maseehul Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan.
Unlike Unani, Ayurveda has been making rapid stride because of government patronage. The Center has also set-up AIIMS like Institute for Ayurveda medicine in Delhi way back in 2005.
Undoubtedly the Unani Tibb is facing existential problem in Delhi. It has been learnt that the Delhi government has abolished Deputy Director Post in Unani from its AYUSH department and now it has also abolished the Assistant Director post in Unani. Only a medical officer appointed as an in-charge of Unani section in the AYUSH department whereas there should be an appointment of Deputy Director was necessary in accordance of the statue.
JAC said attempts are being made to downgrade the Unani Tibb in Delhi which has produced stalwarts like Hakim Ajmal Khan and Hakim Abdul Hamid. It urged Unani fraternity to remain vigilant and active in protecting the cause of Unani medicine. It has convened a meeting on December 25 to discuss the problems faced by Unani Tibb and it will also chalk out an action plan in this regard.