Unani System Of Medicine And It's Development In Contemporary Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Regardless of amazing advancements in contemporary science & technology, it is not possible to provide everyone access to high-quality healthcare. Traditional medicine, in particular Ayurveda and Unani medicine, is regarded as a major global provider of healthcare. This manuscript is aimed to provide the promulgation of Unani Medicine in contemporary healthcare system.

Methods: A in-depth literature analysis was successfully carried out from year 2006 to 2021 to collate the information on the advancement, growth and development of the Unani System of Medicine (USM). The search strategy was performed with recent surveys, articles and the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of AYUSH, Centre council in research in unani medicine (CCRUM) & other institutions on Unani education and research. Additionally, the updated market analysis (2020-2022) comprises import, export and trade data on Unani medicines is also described. From what we know, this review is the first of a kind to describe the domestic and global perspective of Unani medicine with and its global development.

Results: The multi-disciplinary, multi-centric research initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH have resulted in an increase in medical facilities and education in the Unani System of Medicine. With 1748 Unani dispensaries and 3947 beds in Unani hospitals, the number of these facilities has grown at a 2.4% annual pace between 2011 and 2021.

Conclusion: There is tremendous growth in Unani as well as in herbal industry. Unani Medicines have shown their potential and need for better drugs and remedies against various diseases. The knowledge on import and export and the information on research and education enable to work more in this domain. These initiatives favour the World Health Organisation advocating Unani medicine as a better alternative system against various diseases.