New Delhi: The National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) set up by the government of India at Bangalore in the year 1984 to promote the formal study of Unani system of medicine in the country has planned to commence PG diploma courses in Unani Medicine in Regimental Therapy, Pharmacy and Skin Disorders.

With the present strength of 74 postgraduate students enrolled in five PG courses, the institute plans to commence eight new PG degree courses in two phases in addition to the collaborative clinical studies to be undertaken on major diseases with other scientific organizations/ industries.

There are various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote Unani medicine in the country:

- The Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is being developed as a nodal centre for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Reorientation Of Training Programme (ROTP) for teaching faculty in Unani medicine and private practitioners in Unani medicine.

- Unani drugs developed by the CCRUM are being introduced in National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) programme.

- New centres in the states/ Union territory where Unani infrastructure is presently not available are being set up.

- CCRUM. is also being developed as a nodal centre for Research Registry in Unani system of medicine.

- Organisation of health camps on large scale particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh has been done under Public Health Intervention.

- Standards of 150 single/ compound drugs have been finalized.

- Extra Mural Research Projects (EMR) are being taken up.

The Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, S. Gandhiselvan in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today also enumerated other central sector schemes of the department of 'Ayush' under which it is planned to promote Unani system of medicine which are as follows:

A. Under the centers of excellence scheme the department of Ayush has identified and granted financial assistance for following projects:

i. Naimat Science Academy, Chennai for upgrading into center of excellence for Unani Regimental Therapy, at a cost of Rs.250 lakhs.

ii. Sahara Foundation, Hyderabad for upgrading and establishing "Dr. Ahmed Ashraf Memorial Unani Specialty Treatment Center for Paralysis (Falij)" at a cost of Rs.250.56 lakhs.

iii. Ibn-e-sina Academy, Aligarh at a cost of Rs.100 lakhs.

B. Various Unani institutes/ NGOs are being supported under different schemes of the department like public health initiatives, acquisition, cataloging; digitization & publication of text books etc.

C. Two state level government Unani Colleges (Government Nizamia Tibbia College, Hyderabad, A.P. and Government Ayurvedic & Unani College, Karol Bagh, Delhi) have been identified for upgrading as National Institutes at a cost of Rs.50 crore each.