Preserve and consolidate ancient systems of medicine: Lakshmi

Srinagar, May 4 (UNI) Stressing on the need to preserve and consolidate ancient systems of medicine, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi said there was a great potential for it all over the world.

The central government has been providing constant support to the development of Unani System as a holistic and scientific system of medicine, she said during her address at Gandhi Bhavan of University of Kashmir.

She said we have a full fledged department in the government and a National Healthcare Policy for supporting the growth and development of AYUSH System of medicine.

The National Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the government highlights the targets set in the area of healthcare, aimed at better and affordable healthcare delivery to the people, particularly to the poor and women, she said adding the most significant of these being the launch of the National Rural Health Mission by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Ms Lakshmi said the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine is engaged in the multifaceted research activities in the field of Unani Medicine which has achieved excellent results in the treatment of vitiligo.

She said during during the last 28 years, the Council has achieved some important landmarks in its various research areas and has emerged as a leading research organisation in the field of Unani Medicine.

The minister said in order to safeguard the traditional and codified Unani knowledge from piracy, the Project of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) on Unani Medicine has been initiated, which will record the detailed knowledge of therapeutic efficacy of different medicinal plants used in Unani Medicine.

This patent-friendly database would go a long way in scientific development of the system, she added.

Ms Lakshmi said for Jammu and Kashmir, her department has also put in special efforts, to provide inputs for the multi-pronged development of the state.

''I would suggest that the University of Kashmir may send schemes under Extra Mural Research Programme for assistance by the central government and we will be only too happy to consider them'', Ms Lakshmi said.

She stressed upon the State Government to lay great emphasis on usage of Unani and other Indian System of Medicines for attainment of a good healthcare delivery system.

She maximum usage of Unani Medicine while implementing National Rural Health Mission and in this endeavour assured of the fullest support from the centre for the purpose.

UNI BAS RSA HT1240