India’s Traditional Medicine Mission: Unani Research, Global Expansion, and Regulatory Reforms
To enhance the scientific credibility of Unani medicine, the Ministry of Ayush has established 21 clinical research institutes under CCRUM, conducting extensive studies on ailments such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, anemia, hypertension, obesity, and vitiligo. These trials aim to provide empirical evidence supporting Unani treatments, particularly in managing chronic diseases where allopathic medicine has limitations.
- By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
- New Delhi
- Mar 31, 2025
The Ministry of Ayush has set up key institutions, including the Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bengaluru, to advance clinical research and drug development in the Unani system of medicine. The Indian government is making concerted efforts to modernize and integrate Unani medicine into mainstream healthcare, ensuring scientific validation, regulatory standardization, and international recognition. This aligns with the global interest in alternative and complementary healthcare solutions.
Strengthening Research and Clinical Trials
To enhance the scientific credibility of Unani medicine, the Ministry of Ayush has established 21 clinical research institutes under CCRUM, conducting extensive studies on ailments such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, anemia, hypertension, obesity, and vitiligo. These trials aim to provide empirical evidence supporting Unani treatments, particularly in managing chronic diseases where allopathic medicine has limitations.
A significant milestone was reached on March 1, 2024, with the inauguration of a 200-bed satellite institute of NIUM in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. This facility will boost clinical trials, patient care, and research in Unani medicine, reinforcing its role in evidence-based healthcare. Additionally, the government has integrated Unani medicine centers within Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and JJ Hospital in Mumbai, offering patients access to both Unani and conventional medical treatments.
To accelerate research, the 2024 Union Budget allocated an additional ₹500 crore to the Ministry of Ayush, with a significant portion directed toward Unani medicine. This funding supports pharmacological research, clinical trials, and international collaborations, emphasizing the government's commitment to Unani’s scientific advancement.
Ensuring Standardization and Regulation
For wider acceptance, Unani medicine must meet stringent quality control measures. The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is setting global safety and efficacy benchmarks for Unani medicines, aligning with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act to ensure quality assurance and consumer safety.
On February 15, 2024, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) launched a competency-based curriculum for Unani education. This modernized curriculum integrates subjects like pharmacology, clinical research, and public health, ensuring that Unani practitioners are equipped to blend traditional practices with contemporary medical methodologies.
In March 2024, the Ayush Ministry, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), introduced new labeling guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Unani medicines. These regulations enhance transparency and consumer confidence, making Unani products more competitive in domestic and global markets.
Unani’s Role in Integrated Healthcare
The Ministry of Ayush, in partnership with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), is actively integrating Unani medicine into India's primary healthcare system. On January 10, 2024, a dedicated Ayush vertical under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) was established to standardize Unani treatment protocols and provide training programs for Ayush physicians.
Unani services are being expanded across Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals (DHs), offering alternative treatment options alongside allopathic medicine. This initiative is particularly beneficial in rural and semi-urban areas where access to modern healthcare remains limited.
Further, on March 25, 2024, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Ayush Ministry signed an agreement to enable cross-disciplinary training. This collaboration allows Unani practitioners to work alongside allopathic doctors in integrated treatment approaches, particularly for chronic illnesses. The agreement also facilitates joint clinical research projects between Unani and allopathic experts.
Global Expansion and Future Prospects
To position Unani medicine on the global stage, the Indian government has launched the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation in AYUSH. This initiative promotes international research collaborations, academic exchanges, and the export of Unani medicinal products.
At an international conference on Unani medicine innovation held on April 5, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized India's leadership in Unani research and pharmaceutical production. She highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in analyzing historical Unani texts, identifying bioactive compounds, and developing personalized treatment protocols, enhancing Unani’s credibility in global healthcare.
Additionally, India is working with the WHO’s Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to establish global standards for Unani medicine. On March 20, 2024, India signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia to promote Unani medicine in the Middle East. This agreement includes setting up Unani treatment centers in Saudi Arabia and launching joint research programs on Unani formulations.
Furthering international efforts, India is also in discussions with Germany and the European Union to explore regulatory harmonization for Unani medicine exports. These collaborations aim to align Unani formulations with EU pharmaceutical standards, ensuring greater market access for Indian herbal and traditional medicine products. By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, India is setting a precedent for the global integration of traditional medicine into contemporary healthcare practices. Future developments will likely see increased investments in research, education, and international collaborations, ensuring that traditional medicine, including Unani, remain a key component of India's healthcare strategy.