Centre for AYUSH Science IUST held its first Advisory Council meeting

December 8, 2023 – The Centre for AYUSH Science, IUST convened its first advisory council meeting. The meeting chaired by Prof. Shakil A Romshoo Vice Chancellor IUST was attended by Dr. Mohan Singh – Director AYUSH (J&K), Dr. Younis Munshi – Director National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders, Hyderabad, and Mohsin Dehlvi – General Secretary of Unani Drugs Manufacturers Association (UDMA) and Dr. Irfat Aara – Director RRIUM Srinagar and Hakeem Naseer Ahmad – Director Unani and Panchkarma Group of Hospitals Kashmir.

IUST members of the council who attended the meeting included Prof. Sheikh Javad (Dean Research, Prof. Ayub Qadri (Dean School of Health Science, Dr. Waseem Bari (Controller Examination, Dr. Abid Shala (Associate Dean, School of Science, Dr. Rais Ahmad Ganai (Coordinator BVOC, and Dr. Zahida Rasool (Medical Officer).

The meeting, coordinated by Dr. Arsheed A Ganaie (Coordinator of the Centre for Ayush
Science), aimed to gather insights for elevating the Center for AYUSH Science to a center of excellence.

Prof. Romshoo outlined IUST’s plans, emphasizing research thrust areas,
multidisciplinary courses, and the establishment of a regimental therapy unit. Decisions made included initiating a PhD program, offering Open Elective Courses, and starting a regimental therapy unit.

Focus areas for research encompassed non-communicable diseases, metabolic diseases, respiratory and tribal diseases. The council unanimously agreed to organize an international congress in the summer, sponsored by Mr. Mohsin Dehlvi, focusing on Unani and Ayurveda.

Prof. Younis Iftikhar Munshi stressed collaborative research projects, lauding Prof. Romshoo’s efforts. Dr. Irfat Ara highlighted the need for skill-based courses, while Hakeem Naseer Ahmad pledged support for collaborative research areas. Prof. Ayub Qadri emphasized exploring AYUSH’s role in chronic diseases.

The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of the Centre’s strategic plan, paving the way for a promising future in AYUSH science at IUST.