International conference on AYUSH inaugurated at IUST

Awantipora, Oct 17: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) inaugurated the international conference on “AYUSH for Good Life: Integrating Indian and Modern Systems of Medicine” today.

The three-day event brings together experts and medical professionals from around the world to discuss and explore the integration of traditional AYUSH sciences with modern healthcare practices.

The chief guest of the inaugural session was Dr N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director of CCRUM, while Prof. Ashraf Ganaie, Director of SKIMS Srinagar, served as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, called for collective efforts to make AYUSH more accessible through modern technology. He emphasized the need to leverage technological advancements to promote AYUSH sciences widely and urged the creation of a consortium of medical professionals from diverse fields to work towards this goal.

In his address, Dr Zaheer Ahmed discussed the growing influence of AYUSH both nationally and internationally. He noted that AYUSH is not only gaining recognition in India but also globally, as an effective system for holistic health. He highlighted that the AYUSH Centre at IUST has already served over 3,000 individuals, underscoring its impact on community health.

Prof. Ashraf Ganie praised IUST for establishing centers of excellence, such as the Centre for AYUSH Sciences. He emphasized that combining the strengths of allopathic and Unani medicine is crucial in addressing widespread diseases like diabetes, which is on the rise in Kashmir. Prof A H Moon, Dean of Academics, reiterated IUST’s commitment to bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary medicine. He affirmed that the university is dedicated to finding practical solutions to societal problems and, by integrating the strengths of both traditional and modern medical systems, aims to elevate the region’s health standards.

Dr Hakim Mousin Dehlvi, General Secretary of UDMA and a special invitee to the program, highlighted the importance of promoting AYUSH for a healthier life. He stated that such conferences are vital for raising awareness and showcasing the potential of AYUSH in offering holistic solutions to modern health challenges. Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Ayub Qadri emphasised the importance of AYUSH in enhancing overall health and well-being. He further remarked that “AYUSH sciences are deeply rooted in our heritage, and their relevance in today’s healthcare landscape is more significant than ever.”