Unani fraternity of U.P. has welcomed the announcement of Government of Uttar Pradesh to start PG course in Unani Medicine in two Unani Colleges under the State Government. However there is a word of caution and concern from Unani philanthropists.
Padam Shri Hakeem Saifuddin Ahmad, former Physician to the President of India, said it is good news, but let us see how required infrastructure is provided for starting PG course. He said PG course requires well equipped Labs, Libraries and qualified teaching and other staff. He pointed out that most of the educational institutions in the State lack basic infrastructure and amenities. He agreed that for the Government, which is spending generously on parks and smarks, it is not difficult to open PG Classes in two colleges if it has ‘will’. Let us hope some concrete steps before the Assembly elections.
Hakeem Sirajuddin Ahmad said let us wait how and when this assurance takes shape in practice. He reminded that the State Government has agreed to open new Unani Colleges in Meerut, Bijnore and Bahraich, but there is no progress yet. He also pointed out that the State Government has issued a G.O. several months ago to appoint District Unani Medical Officer in each district, but no appointment has been made yet. He also said that Unani Dispensaries in the State are not getting supply of Medicine and in many dispensaries staff is short.
Hakeem Syed Ahmad Khan said for proper administration of a therapy is not possible without Para Medical Staff. Government should also start Unani Pharmacy and Nursing Courses. Secondly, to fulfil the dream of “Health for All”, Unani Departments should be opened in all State Hospitals and Dispensaries. He also suggested a three-year Short Degree Course of Unani on the pattern of proposed Medical Course to boost Rural Health Services.
The State Minister of Medical Education Lalji Verma announced in Lucknow on March 12 that the government will soon start post graduate course in Unani medicine at the two existing Unani Medical Colleges of the State. He was addressing a seminar on the “Relevance of Unani stream of Treatment” organised by “State Takmil-ut-Tib Unani College, Lucknow”.
Mr. Verma acknowledged the importance of Unani and said, “Unani stream of treatment offers cure to chronic diseases. It is cheap and with no side effects. We need to promote this alternative stream of treatment for the welfare of the society.” Regarding the proposed PG course, Verma said, “The introduction of PG seats will encourage research work. Besides State Takmil-ut-Tib Unani College, Lucknow, another State Unani College where PG Course is proposed is Government Unani College, Allahabad.
It is learnt that both colleges are short of staff and lack proper funding. Basic infrastructure is in paltering condition and so requires upgradation. All Unani Colleges and Dispensaries in the State are facing paucity of funds. No special facilities are being given to Unani Pharmacies.