Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmad Inaugurates AYUSH Mela at Islamic University, Pioneering Holistic Healthcare Initiatives
In an inspiring testament to the growing recognition of traditional medicine, Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmad, Director of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), inaugurated the AYUSH Mela at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Awantipora, South Kashmir. This pivotal event coincided with the International Conference on "AYUSH for Good Life: Integrating Indian and Modern System of Medicine," underscoring the importance of harmonizing ancient healthcare wisdom with modern practices.
Embracing AYUSH in a Modern Context
Dr. Ahmad emphasized the significant role that AYUSH, which comprises Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, is playing in global healthcare discussions amidst rapid scientific advancements. He remarked, “Despite technological innovations, the AYUSH system is being celebrated for its holistic approach to health and well-being.” His observation anchors the need for a multidimensional understanding of health, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The three-day conference brought together over 350 delegates, including healthcare experts and medical professionals, all eager to discuss the fusion of traditional AYUSH practices with conventional medical paradigms. More than 100 research papers were presented, highlighting key advancements and collaborative opportunities in the field.
Uniting Forces for a Better Health Landscape
Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, advocated for leveraging modern technology to amplify the accessibility of AYUSH. He proposed a consortium of professionals from varying medical backgrounds to promote AYUSH effectively. Romshoo’s vision speaks to the current trajectory of medicine, where interdisciplinary collaboration is becoming essential to tackle public health challenges.
The conference also featured insights from Dr. Ashraf Ganie, Director of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), who stressed the importance of combining the strengths of allopathic and Unani medicine. He identified the growing prevalence of diseases like diabetes in Kashmir as a significant public health challenge that could benefit from such integrative approaches.
Practical Applications and Community Engagement
The event not only emphasized theoretical frameworks but also provided practical services to the public. A health mela was organized, offering free medical consultations and health services, showcasing the tangible benefits of AYUSH in community health management.
Dr. Arsheed A. Ganaie, coordinator of the Centre for AYUSH at IUST, guided a tour to the High-Altitude Daksum Herbal Garden, where scholars and delegates examined various medicinal plants. This excursion served as an enlightening experience, highlighting the cultivation, management, and therapeutic applications of over 30 medicinal plant species.
Bridging Traditional and Modern Approaches
Deepening the dialogue on integrating AYUSH with modern healthcare is crucial, as highlighted by Dr. Tabasum Fatima of the Centre for AYUSH. She noted that combining these healthcare approaches could lead to significant improvements in managing non-communicable diseases like hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The collaborative spirit of the conference was strengthened by proposals for future partnerships, including discussions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IUST and local modern medical institutions.
Academic and Community Support for AYUSH
Since its establishment last year, the Centre for AYUSH Sciences at IUST has treated more than 3,000 patients, providing a range of services, including wellness care and therapeutic treatments. The centre’s staffing includes trained AYUSH professionals, reinforcing its capacity to cater to community health needs. Dr. Ganaie, alongside his team, continues to develop services that respond dynamically to public health demands.
Conclusion: A Vision for Integrated Health
The AYUSH Mela and accompanying conference mark significant steps in promoting a unified healthcare approach that values both traditional knowledge and modern science. Through initiatives like these, IUST and its partners are setting the stage for a more harmonious and effective healthcare landscape in India and beyond.
As the global health community continues to navigate complex challenges, the integration of AYUSH with contemporary medical practices stands to create a pathway toward improved health outcomes—one that honors ancient traditions while embracing modern innovations.
