Ehsan Fazili/Srinagar

Despite rapid scientific and technological advancements in healthcare, the AYUSH system of medicines is gaining recognition not only in India but also globally as an effective system for holistic healthcare. Dr N Zaheer Ahmad, Director of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), said this at the International Conference on “AYUSH for Good Life: Integrating Indian and Modern System of Medicine” held at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora in South Kashmir.

The just-concluded three-day conference was attended by experts and medical professionals from across the world. The participants discussed and explored the fusion of traditional AYUSH sciences with modern healthcare practices.

Zaheer Ahmad who spoke on “Expanding the influence of AYUSH both nationally and internationally", said that the AYUSH Centre at IUST has already served over 3000 individuals.

Herbal Garden Daksum, South Kashmir

Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, called for a collective effort to make AYUSH more accessible through modern technology. He said that we must leverage technological advancements to promote AYUSH sciences widely, favoured creating a consortium of medical professionals from diverse fields to work towards this goal.

More than 100 papers were presented at the conference which was attended by over 350 delegates.

Dr Ashraf Ganie, Director, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, in his address, said that combining the strengths of allopathic and Unani medicine is crucial in tackling widespread diseases like diabetes, which is on the rise in Kashmir and rest of the country.

Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean of Academics, reiterated IUST's commitment to bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary medicine. He said that the university is dedicated to finding practical solutions to societal problems and by integrating the strengths of both traditional and modern medical systems, the university aims to elevate the region's health standards.

Dr Zaheer Ahmed, Director CCRUM at Ayush mela inside the Islamic University campus

Hakim Mousin Dehlvi, General Secretary of the Unani Drug Manufacturers Association (UDMA), spoke about the importance of promoting AYUSH for a healthier life. He said such conferences are vital for raising awareness and showcasing the potential of AYUSH in offering holistic solutions to modern health challenges.

A health mela was also organized, providing free medical consultations and healthcare services to the public, reinforcing the practical benefits of AYUSH in community health. A poster session and panel discussions were also held as a part of the three-day event.

The Centre for AYUSH Sciences of the Islamic University also organized an extension tour of scholars, conference delegates, UDMA members, and medical professionals to the High-Altitude Daksum Herbal Garden.

Dr. Arsheed A. Ganaie, Coordinator, the Centre for AYUSH, said the tour was aimed at introducing the participants to the cultivation, management, and therapeutic applications of various high-altitude medicinal plants.

Some delegates posing in front of the gate of Herbal Garden, Daksum, Kashmir

Over 30 different medicinal plant species were identified and discussed. Dr Ganaie said that IUST is working on increased integration of traditional medical practices and knowledge with contemporary systems in alignment with the objectives of IKS initiatives.

Dr. Tabasum Fatima of the Centre for AYUSH at the IUST, told Awaz-the Voice on the sidelines of the conference, that “integration of the two systems would benefit society”, adding that especially “there will be an impact on the non-communicable diseases like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, etc.”. 

She said that the conference focused on exchange and collaborative research. Dr Tabasum Fatima said that the Principal, of Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag offered to sign an MoU so that the University and modern systems can work in collaboration.

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The IUST established its Centre for AYUSH Sciences last year and has treated more than 3000 patients so far It includes AYUSH Wellness and Health Centre, Regiminal, and Therapy Centre with a capping and massaging center. The Centre has two doctors including the Coordinator, Dr. Arsheed A. Ganaie, and Dr Tabassum Fatima (MD, Unani). The Centre also gets the services of a doctor from AYUSH, Pulwama once every week, as the Centre has been getting greater response from the public.