All India Unani Tibbi Congress Organizes ‘World Unani Medicine Day’ at Constitution Club on Hakim Ajmal Khan’s Birth Anniversary
New Delhi, February 13, 2025 (Press Release) – The birth anniversary of Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan has been observed as ‘World Unani Medicine Day’ every year on February 12 since 2011. Continuing this tradition, the All India Unani Tibbi Congress organized a commemorative event at the Constitution Club, New Delhi.
The event, presided over by Professor Mushtaq Ahmad, featured the release of a special journal, World Unani Medicine Day: Hakim Syed Khalifatulllah – Life and Contributions, along with an award distribution ceremony. A symposium titled “Unani Medicine: Challenges and Solutions” was also conducted, where distinguished speakers shared their insights.
The event was graced by Shivaji Rao Kalge, Member of Parliament from Latur, Maharashtra, and Ruchi Veera, Member of Parliament from Moradabad. Eminent personalities, including Dr. Syed Farooq, Professor Mohammad Idris, Professor M. A. Jafri, Professor Mohammad Mazhar Alam, Dr. Raghuveer Singh, and Professor Syed Mohammad Arif Zaidi, were also present.
In his presidential address, Professor Mushtaq Ahmad emphasized the significance of Hakim Ajmal Khan in promoting Unani medicine in India. He commended the efforts of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress and its members, stating that every movement led by the organization has succeeded due to their sincerity. He acknowledged the central government for establishing the Ministry of AYUSH but criticized the bureaucratic bias that hinders the appointment of Unani doctors in government jobs.
Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, Secretary-General of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the objectives of celebrating World Unani Medicine Day. He asserted that raising issues and demands before the government is not opposition but a fundamental democratic right. Senior Unani practitioner S. P. Bhatnagar praised the organizers, particularly Syed Ahmad Khan, for consistently marking this important day.
Dr. Syed Farooq pointed out that no new antibiotics have been developed in the past 35 years, and the COVID-19 pandemic proved the continued efficacy of herbal antibiotics. He noted that 80% of the global population still relies on herbal medicine. Professor S. M. Arif Zaidi highlighted Hakim Ajmal Khan’s contributions, stating that he not only revived Unani medicine at a time when it was under threat but also founded Tibbia College in Karol Bagh. He described Khan as a socialist, a freedom fighter, and a visionary leader, citing his innovative approach to social welfare, such as naming an orphanage “Children’s Home” instead of “Orphanage.”
Masroor Ahmad Khan, great-grandson of Hakim Ajmal Khan, shed light on the contributions of the Sharifi family to Unani medicine.
Several individuals played key roles in organizing the event, including Dr. S. M. Hussain, Dr. S. M. Yaqub, Dr. Nadeem Usmani, Dr. Laiq Ali Khan, Dr. Habibullah, Dr. Mujeebur Rahman, Hakim Rashadul Islam, Dr. Subahatullah, Dr. Nasir Ali Chaudhary, Dr. D. R. Singh, Dr. Mohammad Arshad Ghiyas, Dr. S. K. L. Hameeduddin, Dr. Shahnaz Parveen, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Dr. Ghiyasuddin Siddiqui, Dr. Mirza Asif Baig, Dr. Ehsan Ahmad Siddiqui, Dr. Faizan Ahmad Siddiqui, Dr. Mufti Javed Anwar Dehlavi, Dr. Khurshid Alam, Dr. Shakeel Hapuri, Dr. Faheem Malik, Dr. Izaz Ali Qadri, Dr. Ilyas Mazhar Hussain, Dr. Athar Mahmood, Dr. Altaf Ahmad, Hakim Arbabuddin, Hakim Uzair Baqai, Dr. Abdullah Khan Raoof, Hakim Naeem Raza, Hakim Mohammad Murtaza Dehlavi, Hakim Aftab Alam, Muhammad Naushad, Advocate Shan Jabeen Qazi, Dr. Bushra Anjum, Israr Ahmad Ujini, Mohammad Owais, Nadeem Arif, and Mohammad Imran Qanouji.
Key resolutions passed at the event included:
1. Establishment of a National Unani University
2. Formation of a separate Unani Board under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
3. Appointment of technical officers for Unani medicine in every state AYUSH department
4. Equal representation of Unani medicine in National Health Mission and schemes alongside Ayurveda
5. Creation of Hakim Ajmal Khan National Museum and Library at A&U Tibbia College
6. Establishment of CGHS Unani dispensaries in every state capital
7. Recruitment of Unani doctors in railway and armed forces hospitals alongside Ayurvedic practitioners
The event was hosted by Dr. Khabib Ahmad, while Dr. Shujauddin, senior vice president of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress, Uttar Pradesh, delivered the vote of thanks.
