A milestone in the history of the indigenous medical system:

Doctorate program for Unani medicine soon

by Naalir Jamaldeen

The recently concluded first international conference on Unani, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Traditional Medicines was a success and a symbol of ethnic harmony because it brought all three communities to one platform under the logo of medicine. The conference organised by the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM) was held at BMICH from December 19 to 21.

Dr. M.W.S.J. Kumari

Since ancient days Unani, Ayurvedic and Siddha medicines were famous and still practised in Sri Lanka. These systems need due recognition. The people should be made aware of the importance of these systems. These medical systems have a long history over 80 years. The Government has initiated a program called "Health Tourism" to protect and promote these sectors.

The conference was very important to countries such as Sri Lanka which practices these medical systems. Ideas and knowledge were exchanged, lecturers and students received a rare opportunity to share their knowledge with the intellectuals from abroad.

The bilateral ties between the countries which practice these systems were strengthened. Such conferences are crucial culturally and medicinally. Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and traditional medical systems represent different communities of this country which live in unity while protecting their identity. Chief Organiser of the Conference, Acting Director of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo, Rajagiriya Dr. M.W.S.J. Kumari said in an interview with the Sunday Observer. She said that these three medical systems are identical to Muslim, Sinhala and Tamil communities in the country. It brought all three three communities to a common stage under the theme of medicine.

The Acting Director said that the international participants who attended the conference also stressed the necessity of collaborating and exchanging ideas and knowledge between the countries which practice these medical systems currently.

"Aligarh Muslim University, Hamdard University, New Delhi, Gujarat Ayurved University, Benares Hindu University, Varanasi and National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur have agreed to provide scholarships for Unani, Ayurvedic and Siddha scholars, lecturers and students following the conference. Two kinds of scholarships such as SARC and cultural scholarships will be given", Dr. Kumari said.

"Moves are underway to start a doctorate program for Unani soon", she said.

Besides Dr. Kumari said that during the conference MOUs were signed with the Universities which participated.

Dr. Kumari said keynote addressers spoke on different perspectives and the participants received a good knowledge in their relevant subjects. They submitted recent research articles on non-communicable diseases mainly diabetics, hypertension and some other diseases.

"The international participants have also agreed to come again and to hold such forums again. We achieved our target. Scientific papers were discussed in various angles by relevant experts in the field. Our students and professionals in the field gained enough knowledge without spending even a single cent. Local researchers also obtained a chance to present their research papers. All facilities were provided to them. They held their own sessions", Dr. Kumari said.

She said that the conference was held under the theme "natural solution for health challenges". This theme was discussed according to the philosophy of We have specified to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical systems. One was classified for diseases specially non-communicable diseases, second was food pattern like natural and the third was communicable diseases.

The treatment pattern of Ayurveda medical system is an individual person should be treated equally, Dr. Kumari said.

High standard scientific sessions were held and research papers were discussed. All three systems were given similar opportunities to discuss about their systems, she said.

"Every medicine has its positive and negative impacts which depend on the dose which is taken. People think of an easy life but not about leading a healthy life. Ayurvedic medical sectors in other countries have been developed by multi folds compared to ours", Dr. Kumari said They have developed it for the need of patients. They produce syrups, capsules, tablets and balms and other medical items. With the advancement of technology those products are available in the market in new forms, she said.

"Some delegate from England also attended the conference. We are confident that we will be able to bring more participants from European countries. At the same time we have in idea to set up a forum", Dr. Kumari said.

Organising Committee Chairman Unani Section Head of Institute of Indigenous Medicine Dr. B.M. Nageeb said that the concluded international conference on Unani, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Traditional Medicines was a success because allopaethic and Institutionally doctors, traditional doctors and other professionals like chemists and agriculture related food producers also participated.

Other decisions taken were form a global platform on indigenous medicine including the participants at this conference from India, Bangladesh, Germany and New Zealand. The indigenous medical sector of this country gained enough publicity and promotion over the conference.

Dr. Nageeb said that over the concluded 1st International Conference on Unani, Ayurvedic, Siddha and Traditional medicines gained enough publicity and promotion.

He described the the conference as a milestone in the history of indigenous medical system of this country.

"We launched the conference souvenir consisting of nearly 200 research articles. The first news letter and fourth journal Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine (SLJIM) were also published during the conference", Dr. Nageeb said.

At the same time Hamdard, Expo Lanka and Himalaya Pharmaceuticals extended their fullest cooperation to make this event a success. These Institutions have promised him to extend a helping hand to such events in the future organised by IIM, Dr. Nageeb said.

Organising Secretary Dr. M.S.M. Shiffa said that all intellectuals whom we invited participated in the conference including Director General, Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) Dr. Shakir Jamil.

Several special sessions were held parallel to three day international conference. Dr. Jamil also delivered special addresses on different topics during and the necessity to protect the indigenous medical sector.

Dr. Shiffa said that the speech made by Dr. Jamil has motivated the research enthusiasts and made the people keep an eye on indigenous medical system which the people saw with a different angle. Prof. C.B. Jha Dean, Faculty of Ayurvedic Banaras Hindu University, Waranasi also gave some invaluable information to the participants during the conference.

"Twelve scientific sessions were held. These sessions were held on different themes. We identified certain areas and invited them to address on those areas. Our students and scholars immensely benefited from scientific sessions", Dr. Shiffa said.

"Altogether 50 foreign delegates participated in the conference. Our students could create an education link with them", he said.

Dr. Shiffa said that Dr. Jamil also promised that his university

is ready to provide some sort of training to Indigenous doctors in future.He described this as a major benefit of the conference. Sri Lanka students received a chance to go for training from IIM to Hamdard University. "A Unani Chair has been established under the leadership of Indian Government based AYUSH Department. Through which we can interchange our knowledge and exchange researchers", Dr. Shifa said.

"Altogether 350 delegates participated in the conference. Fifty among 350 delegates were foreigners.

"Students also got enough experience by interacting with the international scholars. We did 114 oral presentations and 67 poster presentations", Dr. Shiffa said.