Mumbai : The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, commemorated World Unani Day 2026 by organising a two-day National Conference on “Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice” on February 14–15, 2026, in Mumbai. Held under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, academicians, and industry stakeholders in a hybrid format.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Shri Babasaheb Mohanrao Patel, Minister of Co-operation of Maharashtra, and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush were present as the Guests of Honour. The event was also attended by senior dignitaries including Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. M. A. Qasmi, Advisor (Unani), Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Syed Shah Alam, Director, NIUM, Bengaluru; and Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM.

Observed annually on February 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, Unani Day highlights the legacy and contemporary relevance of Unani Medicine. The 2026 conference focused on strengthening scientific validation, promoting innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics, advancing clinical documentation, and fostering integration of traditional knowledge with evidence-based medical approaches.

The deliberations addressed the growing need for rigorous research, standardisation, and outcome-based studies to enhance the credibility and global acceptance of Unani practice, particularly in the context of rising chronic and lifestyle diseases.

An industry delegation led by Hamdard Laboratories also participated in the conference, represented by Mr. Abdul Majeed, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories, along with other senior representatives. On the occasion, an MoU was exchanged between Hamdard Laboratories (India), represented by Dr. Santosh Joshi, Head, R&D, Hamdard Laboratories and Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM, to strengthen collaborative research and innovation in Unani Medicine.

The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange, thematic discussions, and showcasing research outcomes aimed at reinforcing the role of innovation and evidence in advancing Unani practice within India’s evolving healthcare framework and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.