Career in Unani Medicine in India: Unani medicine is a traditional system of health and healing rooted in the teachings of ancient Greek physicians. The initial approach within the Unani framework focuses on establishing a diet that aims to normalize and balance external factors such as air, water, and food, which, associated with the illness. Should this initial treatment be inadequate, additional remedies, including natural medicine, may suggested.
India holds a prominent position globally, boasting the highest number of universities and research institutions dedicated to Unani medicine. This field represents a synthesis of various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, botany, and anthropology. This article outlines the curriculum of Unani medicine and explores its contemporary relevance.
Quick Facts
The following provides a brief overview of the Career in Unani medicine in India course:
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Unani Master of Science (MS) in Unani Post Graduate Diploma in Unani |
| Course Duration | UG: 5.5 years PG: 2-3 years PhD: 3 years |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 PG: BUMS degree |
| Admission process | NEET, AIAPGET |
| Average Starting Salary | 2.5 Lakhs p.a(approx) |
| Career Options | Lecturer, Consultant, Private practice, Medical Assistant, Hakeem |
| Recruiting Industries | Unani Charitable institutions, Unani Medical Colleges, Unani Medical Stores, Unani and Ayurvedic Research Institutes, Clinic |
What is Unani Medicine?
Unani medicine, also referred to as Unani Tibb, Arabian medicine, or Islamic medicine, is a traditional healing practice that primarily focuses on four essential factors within the human body. Similar to other medical systems, the primary objective of Unani treatment is to enable individuals to live a life free from illness or disease.
This branch of health science operates on scientific principles and provides necessary scientific justifications for each treatment modality. Its categorized into eight disciplines based on the mechanisms through which medicines exert their effects within the human body, as detailed below.
Unani Doctors: An Overview
Unani medicine is acknowledged as the fourth most prevalent system of treatment. It is an alternative medical approach that focuses on enhancing the body’s innate healing capabilities. The fundamental principle of Unani is that the body possesses a self-renewing energy that facilitates its own recovery. According to Unani philosophy, the human body comprises four essential elements: blood, yellow bile, phlegm, and black bile.
Unani doctors are qualified practitioners who specialize in Unani medicine. They are responsible for diagnosing patients and administering Unani treatments. However, they are not authorized to prescribe contemporary medications or conduct allopathic surgical procedures. While Unani doctors can provide care comparable to that of allopathic physicians, their methods and treatments differ significantly. The profession of Unani medicine demands considerable dedication and effort, yet it is highly fulfilling. In a society facing numerous health challenges, Unani medicine presents a safe and economical alternative with minimal side effects, particularly beneficial for those who cannot afford expensive medical care.
Unani Medicine Education in India
To pursue a career as an Unani doctor, individuals can obtain a degree by enrolling in Unani medicine courses.
Undergraduate Programs
| Course Name | Duration |
| Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) | 5.5 years |
Postgraduate Program
| Course Name | Duration |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Unani | 3 years |
| Master of Science (MS) in Unani | 3 years |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Unani | 2 years |
PhD Program
| Course Name | Duration |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Unani | 3 years |
Admission Process for Unani Medicine Course
- To qualify for the Unani medicine course, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with a minimum aggregate of 50% in the science stream (PCB).
- Candidates are required to possess a NEET scorecard.
- Following the successful completion of the NEET examination, candidates must engage in Ayush NEET Counselling, which is organized by the AACCC central counselling or the Ayush Department of the respective state.
- For postgraduate studies, candidates must take the AIAPGET examination to gain admission.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to enroll in the bachelor’s level BUMS program in naturopathic medicine.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Programs
| Particulars | Description |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years of age on December 31 of the application year. |
| Qualifying Exam | Candidate must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology and English as the core subjects. Candidates must have passed class10th with Urdu or Arabic or Persian language as a subject or must have passed the test of Urdu of class 10th |
| Qualifying Exam Marks | All General category candidates must have at least 50% mark in 10+2 or equivalent examination. Reserved category candidates must have at least 40% marks |
| Qualifying Entrance Exam | Candidates must have qualified NEET Exam |
Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Programs
| Particulars | Description |
| Qualifying Exam Marks | The candidate must have BUMS Degree from a well reputed college and university. The candidate should have a minimum aggregate of percentile but the cut off marks can vary depending on the college |
| Qualifying Entrance Exam | Candidates must have qualified AIAPGET Exam |
Leading Unani Medicine Institutions in India
Numerous institutions across India provide BUMS courses and other programs related to Unani medicine. Some notable examples include:
| S.No. | Top Unani Medical Colleges |
| 1 | Jamia Hamdard |
| 2 | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University |
| 3 | Kerala University of Health Sciences |
| 4 | Dr NTR University of Health Sciences |
| 5 | Jamia Millia Islamia |
State-wise Unani Medical Colleges in India
| State | State |
| Andhra Pradesh | Nagaland |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Odisha |
| Assam | Punjab |
| Bihar | Rajasthan |
| Chhattisgarh | Sikkim |
| Goa | Tamil Nadu |
| Gujarat | Tripura |
| Haryana | Telangana |
| Himachal Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh |
| Jharkhand | Uttarakhand |
| Jammu and Kashmir | West Bengal |
| Karnataka | Andaman and Nicobar |
| Kerala | Chandigarh |
| Madhya Pradesh | Delhi |
| Maharashtra | Daman and Diu |
| Manipur | Dadar and Nagar Haveli |
| Meghalaya | Lakshadweep |
| Mizoram | Pondicherry |
Career Prospects in Unani Medicine in India
Unani medicine enjoys greater popularity in India compared to its countries of origin, Persia and Greece. Therefore, individuals pursuing a career in Unani medicine can anticipate a promising future in this field. Those inclined towards academia may secure teaching positions at universities and colleges specializing in Unani medicine. A qualified Unani practitioner has the option to establish their own treatment centers or collaborate with experienced Unani doctors.
Unani practitioners can also engage in research to innovate treatment methodologies supported by scientific evidence. The career prospects for Unani doctors in India are significantly more favorable than in other nations, allowing them to conduct awareness programs to inform the public about the benefits of Unani medicine.
Additionally, there are various job roles available for candidates who choose to pursue a career in Unani medicine.
| Lecturer | Consultant |
| Private Practice | Medical Assistant |
| Hakeem | Scientist |
| Therapist | Spa Director |
| Pharmacist | Public Health Specialist |
Job Description for Unani Medicine Practitioners
A medical professional trained in Unani medicine may operate within the following capacities.
| Internal Medicine | Gynecology, including obstetrics and Pediatrics |
| Diseases of the head and neck | Toxicology |
| Psychiatry | Rejuvenation, Therapy, Including Geriatrics |
| Sexology | Regimental Therapy |
| Dietotherapy | Hydrotherapy |
Responsibilities of an Unani Physician
The responsibilities of a Unani physician include:
- Overseeing and delivering general patient care in hospital wards and clinics.
- Admitting patients who require specialized attention, followed by necessary investigations and treatments.
- Conducting examinations and consultations with patients to ascertain their medical conditions.
- Performing specific procedures, including surgeries and specialized diagnostic investigations.
- Documenting and preparing legal records of treatments for the benefit of other healthcare practitioners.
- Collaborating with fellow physicians as part of a multidisciplinary team within the same department or across various specialties.
- Advocating for health education initiatives.
- Assuming managerial duties such as planning departmental workload and staffing, particularly at senior levels.
- Instructing and mentoring junior doctors and medical students.
- Engaging in auditing and research activities.
Essential Skills
The essential skills for an Unani physician include:
- Effective communication abilities
- Attention to detail
- Leadership capabilities
- Organizational and management proficiency
- Patience
- Decision-making aptitude
- Trustworthiness and confidentiality
- Emotional resilience
Average Compensation
The salary package is determined by the employer, taking into account the candidate’s qualifications and performance. Most employers base their compensation on the specific job profile accepted by the candidate. There are numerous career opportunities within Unani medicine, and the salary scale for these roles is generally more favorable compared to other specialties. Below are examples of salaries associated with various job profiles.
| Job profile | Salary |
| Hakeem | Rs 3.5 Lakhs per annum (Approx) |
| Unani Institute Lecturer | Rs 4.5 Lakhs per annum (Approx) |
| Unani Consultant | Rs 3 Lakhs per annum (Approx) |
| Unani Therapist | Rs 2.5 Lakhs per annum (Approx) |
| Unani Medicine Pharmacist | Rs 4 Lakhs per annum (Approx) |
Visual Representation of Average Compensation
Leading Industries for Recruitment
The subsequent sectors are recognized as the leading industries for recruitment.
| Unani Charitable Institutions | Unani Medical Colleges |
| Unani Medicine store | Unani and Ayurvedic Research Institutes |
| Unani Clinic | Unani Medicine System Education Training Institutes |
| Clinical Trials Laboratories (Pharmaceuticals) | Unani Pharmaceutical Industry |
| Consultancies | Life Science Industries |
| Medical Tourism | Drug Control Sector |
| Research Establishments | Dispensaries |
| Healthcare community | Government Hospitals |
| Nursing House | Third Party Administrator (TPA) in the Insurance sector |
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