Two-day Unani Drugs Manufacturers Association’s 8th annual convention begins in Hyderabad on Saturday
HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI — The global relevance of the Unani drugs industry is rising rapidly, and the sector is fully capable of addressing contemporary healthcare needs, said Dr Hamid Ahmed, CEO of Hamdard Laboratories and President of the Unani Drugs Manufacturers Association (ADMA). He was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of ADMA’s two-day 8th annual convention in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Dr Ahmed, grandson of Hamdard founder, Hakim Abdul Hameed, congratulated the Hyderabad chapter for hosting the convention and noted that the Unani sector stands at a crucial crossroads. “Expectations from Unani medicine are very high today. The industry is transitioning from classical practice toward meeting modern standards and regulatory expectations,” he said.
He highlighted ADMA’s role in securing the future of Unani practitioners and improving market access for Unani medicines. Referring to ADMA’s recommendations to the government, he noted that the proposal to appoint BUMS graduates as Food Inspectors was accepted and later notified in the official gazette.
Dr Ahmed also spoke about the association’s representations to the Ministry of AYUSH on GMP regulations and its recent meeting with Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) to strengthen collaboration in clinical trials and long-term research initiatives. He added that Hamdard’s Centre of Excellence has been regularly organising CME and regulatory sessions to keep practitioners updated.
“New innovations and new projects in Unani medicine show that the system is ready to align with contemporary scientific requirements,” he said.
Padma Shri Dr Ahmed noted that the COVID-19 crisis made the world look toward traditional systems, and Unani medicines played a significant role during the pandemic. Praising the AYUSH Ministry for its efforts to promote traditional healing sciences, he predicted that global demand for Unani products could reach USD 300 billion. He expressed confidence that India’s Unani sector is capable of competing with multinational pharmaceutical companies.
Addressing the gathering, former Hyderabad mayor and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislator Mir Zulfiqar Ali said Unani system is practiced in nearly 85 countries, including India, Iran, the Middle East, and several South Asian nations. He praised ADMA for its contributions to the sector’s growth and said that with adequate resources—equivalent to those available to modern medicine—the Unani system could expand much further.
Assistant Drug Controller Dr Mohammed Khalid highlighted Hyderabad’s historic role in the evolution of Unani medicine. “In the 16th century, the royal physician received an annual honorarium equivalent to the price of 200 kilograms of gold—today worth nearly ₹80 crore. Hyderabad was a leading centre of medical knowledge, attracting scholars from Europe and beyond,” he said.
CCRUM’s Dr Yunus Munshi discussed recent advancements in research and the government’s efforts to promote scientific development within the Unani sector.
Organising Secretary Hakim Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin welcomed delegates and noted that Hyderabad alone is home to nearly 700 Unani drug manufacturing companies, making it a major hub for the industry. He said ADMA’s annual events provide a platform for local and national manufacturers to showcase their capabilities and innovations. He urged young Unani practitioners to stay rooted in classical principles while adapting to modern requirements.
The event brought together leading Unani physicians, representatives of drug manufacturing companies from across India, and senior officials from various institutions.
Prominent attendees included Dr Yunus Munshi, Deputy Director General CCRUM; Dr Mohammed Khalid, Assistant Drug Controller (Unani) and Licensing Authority; Dr Nabeel Ahmed, General Secretary, ADMA; Padma Shri Dr MA Waheed, former Director, CCIUM; Dr Rahman; Dr Shakeeb; Organising Secretary Hakim Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin; and Hakim Arbabuddin, President, Shan-e-Nishin Laboratories.
Convener Nabeel Rahman also addressed the audience.
As part of the event, the Hamdard Foundation presented cash awards to top BUMS rankers:
Momin Mehjabeen (Maharashtra) and Femi Anjum Khan (Bhopal) received ₹40,000 each for securing first ranks.
Khan Saima Khatoon Samiullah (Maharashtra) and Umme Kulsoom (Aligarh Muslim University) received ₹25,000 each for second ranks.
ADMA’s souvenir was released, and Dr Asiya Anjum, Deputy Superintendent, Tipu Sultan Unani Medical College & Hospital, launched her book on national health policy programmes. Dr Shakeeb conducted the proceedings.
Dr. Hamid Ahmed also inaugurated the Health Mela, which featured more than 50 stalls set up by Unani drug manufacturers. Along with ADMA office-bearers, he visited each stall to review the products and innovations on display.
The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Dr Ahsan Farooqi, Dr Mir Yousuf Ali, Prof Qamar, Dr Fazal Ahmed, Hakim Hussamuddin Talat, Dr Farooq-ul-Islam Shakir, Hakim Mirza Arastu, and Safiyullah Baig.
