Modernizing Tradition: India Unveils High-Tech Unani Research Hub at Mumbai’s JJ Hospital

MUMBAI — In a significant move to bridge the gap between ancient healing and modern science, Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the renovated Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM) at the historic Grant Government Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals on Saturday. The event, held in conjunction with Unani Day 2026, marks a strategic shift toward “integrative healthcare,” where traditional Unani practices are rigorously tested and applied alongside conventional medicine.

The upgrade, completed at a cost of approximately ₹3.84 crore, transforms the 42-year-old center into a high-tech “co-location” facility. This model allows patients to access traditional Unani therapies—known for their holistic approach to chronic ailments—within the same campus as one of India’s premier multi-specialty hospitals.

The Push for “Evidence-Based” Ancient Medicine

The theme of this year’s National Conference, “Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice,” underscores a growing mandate from the Ministry of Ayush: traditional medicine must meet modern scientific benchmarks.

“Unani medicine is a time-tested system, but its future lies in how effectively we generate and present scientific evidence to the world,” Minister Jadhav told a gathered audience of healthcare professionals and researchers. He emphasized that the government is urging researchers to utilize cutting-edge tools, including genomics and artificial intelligence, to validate Unani protocols.

Unani medicine, which originated in Greece and was refined in the Arab world before flourishing in India, focuses on the balance of four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and an individual’s unique temperament (Mizaj).

Key Developments at the New Centre:

• NABL Certification: The Biochemistry and Pathology Laboratory at RRIUM Mumbai has received official accreditation, ensuring that research data meets international quality standards.

• Integrative Care: By being located at JJ Hospital, the center facilitates “cross-referrals,” where doctors can combine conventional diagnostics with Unani treatments for chronic conditions.

• Digital Integration: The launch of new mobile applications and a collaborative web portal aims to standardize how practitioners document patient outcomes.

Why This Matters for Public Health

For the average patient, the expansion of Unani facilities represents more than just cultural preservation—it is a matter of affordability and access. Shri Babasaheb Patil, Maharashtra’s Minister of Co-operation, noted that Unani medicine often provides a cost-effective alternative for “ordinary people” struggling with long-term illnesses that are expensive to manage with conventional drugs alone.

“Traditional systems, when practiced with discipline, can deliver significant results in chronic and difficult-to-treat conditions,” Patil said, citing his own positive experiences with the system.

Global Recognition and Standardization

The shift toward modernization isn’t happening in a vacuum. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted that India is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to globalize these standards.

Recent milestones include the inclusion of Unani morbidity codes in the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases), a move that allows doctors worldwide to track Unani treatments using the same digital language as modern surgery or oncology.

“Unani is evolving into a modern, evidence-based, and globally benchmarked healthcare system,” Kotecha stated, noting that patient footfall and scientific publications in the field have seen “multi-fold increases” in recent years.

Expert Perspectives: A Balanced View

While the government’s enthusiasm is high, independent medical experts emphasize the need for caution and rigorous oversight.

“The integration of traditional systems into large hospital settings is a positive step for patient choice,” says Dr. Anirudh Rao (pseudonym), a Mumbai-based internal medicine specialist not affiliated with the project. “However, the ‘evidence’ part is crucial. We need large-scale, randomized controlled trials to ensure that herbal formulations do not have adverse interactions with modern pharmaceuticals, especially in patients with kidney or liver issues.”

Dr. Maneesha V. Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), views the initiative as a reflection of India’s “unity in diversity” in healthcare. She argues that looking at the human body through different “lenses”—whether biochemical or humoral—can lead to more comprehensive well-being.

What This Means for You

For health-conscious consumers, the renovation of the Mumbai center signals a more “mainstream” future for Unani medicine. If you are considering Unani treatments, keep the following in mind:

1. Seek Accredited Centres: Facilities like the RRIUM at JJ Hospital offer standardized care that follows government safety protocols.

2. Disclose All Treatments: Always inform your primary care physician if you are taking Unani formulations, as some herbs can interact with blood thinners or blood pressure medication.

3. Focus on Prevention: Unani medicine places a heavy emphasis on diet and lifestyle (the “Six Essential Factors”), which can be a powerful tool for preventing lifestyle diseases like Type 2 diabetes.

Key Statistics & Facts

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

References

Institutional Sources:

• Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi. (2026, February 14). Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates renovated Unani Research Centre at JJ Hospital. [Release ID: 2227528].