NEW DELHI: The Government of India has increased its investment in research and development for Unani medicine, with an enhanced allocation of funds and strategic integration into mainstream healthcare. Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav provided a detailed account of financial allocations, ongoing initiatives, and international collaborations in the field of Unani medicine.
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), autonomous bodies under the Ministry of AYUSH, have received a cumulative budget allocation of Rs 214.50 crore and Rs 110.40 crore, respectively, for the financial year 2025-26. Over the past five years, funding for CCRUM has consistently increased, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing Unani medical research. Similarly, NIUM’s budget has seen a moderate rise compared to previous years.
The government has taken several steps to integrate Unani medicine into mainstream healthcare. The Ayush Vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has been set up as a dedicated institutional mechanism to support Ayush-specific public health programmes. Additionally, Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for common musculoskeletal disorders have been developed to aid in Unani-based treatment approaches. The government has also conducted national-level master training sessions for Ayush physicians to ensure the effective implementation of these guidelines across states.
To further strengthen the integration of Unani medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) have established dedicated Ayush departments in central government hospitals. The Department of Integrative Medicine is operational at major institutions such as Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. Moreover, the co-location strategy for Ayush facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs) has enabled wider accessibility to alternative medical treatments.
Several government hospitals, including Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, now provide Unani treatment facilities. Additionally, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) has extended its reach to Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Hospital in Mumbai and an Extension Research Centre in Kannur, Kerala.
On the global front, the government has been actively promoting international collaborations in Unani medicine. Under the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH, the Ministry supports Indian AYUSH drug manufacturers and service providers in expanding their presence abroad. India has signed 24 country-to-country memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and 51 institute-to-institute MoUs for fostering research and academic exchanges in traditional medicine.
Notable collaborations include agreements with the University of Western Cape in South Africa, Hamdard University in Bangladesh, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University in Tajikistan, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. These partnerships have led to the establishment of Unani academic chairs, exchange programmes, and joint research initiatives aimed at enhancing the global recognition of Unani medicine.
