Govt Expands Research and Integration Efforts in Unani Medicine
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also shown interest in India's efforts
New Delhi, March 25, 2025 – The Indian government is ramping up its efforts to promote Unani medicine by integrating it with modern healthcare practices and expanding research initiatives. The Ministry of Ayush has taken significant strides in this direction by strengthening institutions such as the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bangalore.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, emphasized the role of Unani medicine in the broader framework of integrated healthcare. “Our goal is to merge the best of traditional and modern medicine to offer holistic healthcare solutions. The National Health Policy of 2017 laid the foundation for this integration, and we are now accelerating these efforts,” he stated.
A key aspect of this initiative is standardization and global recognition. CCRUM has been actively working on developing international benchmarks for Unani medical training and practice. This includes the creation of standardized terminologies and protocols, ensuring Unani medicine meets global healthcare standards.
In collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the government has also strengthened the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). This extensive database records over 98,700 Unani formulations, protecting India’s traditional medical heritage from biopiracy and unethical patenting.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also shown interest in India’s efforts, recognizing the potential of Unani medicine in addressing chronic diseases and lifestyle disorders. With increasing scientific validation and modern research backing its effectiveness, Unani medicine is poised for greater acceptance both nationally and internationally.
The government’s multi-faceted approach—ranging from research funding and institutional support to global advocacy—is a testament to its commitment to preserving and promoting Unani medicine. As these efforts continue, the integration of Unani practices with mainstream healthcare is expected to offer new avenues for preventive and holistic treatment options.
