BANDIPORA: In a run up to World Unani Day Celebrations 2024 to be observed on 11th of February, the Department of Ayush Bandipora today organised a district level event at Conference Hall, Mini-Secretariat Bandipora.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel Ur Rehman was chief guest on the occasion, while as ADC Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandit was guest of honour.

The program was attended by District Nodal Officer Ayush, Dr. Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Medical Officers Department of Ayush, Medical Officers of NHM, Mid Level Health Care Providers (MLHP) paramedics and other concerned.

In his welcome address, District Nodal Officer Ayush deliberated on the working of Ayush and exemplary vision of Hakim Ajmal Khan, who dedicated his life for the development and promotion of the Unani System of medicine.

He also highlighted achievements of the Department, including High Altitude Medicinal Plant Nursery at Nyle Gurez on 10 kanals of Land, installation of fitness equipment at Aragam, Nadihal and Check Ganastan Shahgund Dispensaries.

The DC was apprised that in Bandipora 21 dispensaries are functional with 21 Medical officers, besides various issues faced by department were also put forth before the chair including establishment of Herbal Gardens, fencing for Herbal Garden, land issues for cultivation of medicinal plants, availability of land in schools for establishing herbal Gardens and others.

On the occasion, Dr. Irfan, Medical Officer Department of Ayush, presented a PowerPoint presentation to highlight various IEC activities carried out by the Department of Ayush in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, DC highlighted the role of Hakeem Ajmal Khan in the Unani system of medicine. He said, "to honor Hakim Ajmal Khan, we need to implement Government Schemes regarding Unani System of Medicine in letter and spirit on ground level."

Stressing on conducting awareness camps at Panchayat level, the DC asked the concerned from the Ayush to draft a plan for conducting more extensive awareness camps at panchayat level for raising awareness regarding benefits of Unani System of medicine, Drug de-addiction and role of health and wellness centres.

Shakeel Rehman, on the occasion, assured full support from the district administration for implementing Ayush Related schemes in the district.

He asked the District Nodal Officer Ayush to submit activity reports on a periodical basis to review the performance of the department in the district.

Highlighting the role of Unani and traditional System of Medicine, Shakeel Ur Rehman stressed the cultivation of medicinal plants at the local level.

He also deliberated upon the role of lifestyle changes in addressing contemporary health challenges.