AYUSH to be developed at par with allopathy

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Rs. 16 Cr earmarked for cultivation of herbal/medicinal plants

Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has said that Department of Indian System of Medicines (ISM) will be developed on allopathic lines as the people are shifting to the traditional treatment and adopting ISM/Unani medicines in a big way. He said that the government has earmarked Rs. 16 crore for developing herbal/medicinal plants in the State.

The Minister was speaking at a function organized by association of ISM doctors in connection with the observance of Hakim Ajmal Khan Day in Kashmir University today.

The Minister said that to expanding the activities of the ISM department, the Government has already decided to establish two Ayurvedic/Unani Medical Colleges, one each at Jammu and Kashmir which will be completed within a period of two years. Likewise an independent Medicinal Plants Board has been set up which will mobilize sources of developing herbal/medicinal plants in the State in collaboration with other departments like Forests, Horticulture and Floriculture, the Minister added. He said the Board will identify all potential areas for herbal/medicinal plants cultivation.

The Minister said that ISM could not flourish as per available potential and assured that every possible step will be taken to restore its identity. He asked the doctors not to indulge unnecessary in litigations rather trust on the administration to seek redressal of grievances. He said that his doors are always open for people and they can visit and discuss things at any time and raise genuine grievances.

He stressed for streamlining the department and restoration of hierarchy to remove stagnation and making everyone accountable. He did not blame anybody for creating mess in the department which otherwise compelled the doctors to adopt the lukewarm attitude thereby neglecting the services. He said we should not go into past and think of future in the interest of people.

Paying rich tributes to the great legendary Hakim Ajmal Khan, the Minister said that contribution of the great personality has inspired every one especially the ISM/Unani fraternity. He said that Hakim Sahib was not only a simple physician but a symbol of real democracy. He served the people of the country in different capacities besides treating the ailing community. He played great role in country’s freedom struggle and was a close companion of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and other stalwart leadership.

He asked the doctors to take pledge for serving the ailing community with sincerity and missionary zeal, and following the foot steps of Hakim Sahib. This will be the real tribute to this great personality, he added.

Mr. Sharma said that observing the days in the names of such personalities hardly serve any purpose, unless we perform duties with sincerity and honesty and make ourselves accountable to the people for which we all are handsomely paid.

Director, ISM, Dr.Abdul Kabir Dar also addressed the gathering and gave resume of the activities of the department. He highlighted the achievements and demands to improve the existing set up of the department. He conveyed his gratitude to the Minister for taking personal interest to improve the functioning of the ISM department and gracing the occasion. He expressed hope on behalf of the entire ISM fraternity that department will touch new heights under the able leadership of Mr. Sham Lal Sharma. He assured the Minister that doctors will redouble their efforts to restore the credibility of the ISM department.

All in-service and retired doctors, para-medics of ISM department and professionals related to the ISM/Unani field attended the function.