It also demanded a central directive for the inclusion of Unani doctors in all state-level National Health Mission’s AYUSH recruitments
PRAYAGRAJ – At a conference here on Saturday, the Allahabad unit of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress (AIUTC) has called for full surgical rights for Unani/Ayurveda medical practitioners. It said the practitioners should not be required to obtain separate approvals for the purpose.
The conference also sought clear guidelines from the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) permitting AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) doctors to administer injections and IV fluids during emergencies.
NCISM is a statutory and regulatory body of 29 members, formed by the Centre for framing policies for institutions engaged in the Indian System of Medicine and medical professionals.
The Prayagraj conference demanded a central directive for the inclusion of Unani doctors in all state-level National Health Mission’s AYUSH recruitments.
The conference saw the participation of Unani practitioners from all corners of the country — from Manipur to Maharashtra and Kashmir to Kerala. They deliberated on the advancement of Unani medicine and discussed critical policy issues.
It also urged harmonisation of clinical registration procedures across NCISM, state boards, and councils to prevent interference by allopathic CMOs.
The conference was presided over by Prof Mushtaq Ahmed, who urged Unani doctors to remain committed to ethical practice and professional integrity. “Struggle, sincerity, and service are the keys to success,” he said. He called the Unani system a “precious legacy” and stressed the duty of every practitioner to make it accessible and beneficial to the public.
Chief Guest Waqar Ahmad Ansari, Chairman of Lok Adalat, Prayagraj, highlighted the importance of strengthening public awareness campaigns for Unani medicine. “Unani healthcare needs broader recognition and stronger advocacy for the benefit of the people,” he said.
In his address, Dr Syed Ahmed Khan, AIUTC’s secretary general, said the event underscored a renewed call for recognition, policy support, and unified efforts in promoting the Unani medical system across the country. He further emphasised how important it was to unite for the Unani cause because the current political climate in the country is hostile.
The conference was attended by several esteemed figures in the Unani and medical community, including Prof SM Arif Zaidi (former Dean, Jamia Hamdard), Dr Sikandar Hayat Siddiqui (former Director of Unani in Uttar Pradesh), Prof Nifasat Ali Ansari (former principal, State Takmil-ut-Tib College, Lucknow), Dr Mahmood Ahsan Siddiqui (Director, Unani Director, Rajasthan), Irfan Ahmad Ansari (IPS), Dr Haseen Ahmad (former Unani Director Unani, Rajasthan), Community leader Muhammad Khalid Luckhnavi and many others.
Unani scholars presented research papers during the event. A paper titled “Allahabad and Unani Medicine” by Hakeem Reshad-ul-Islam Allahabadi, National Secretary of AITUC’s Pharmacy Wing, received special appreciation.
