Traditional medicine, having a long history in South Asia, is still popular with many people across the region. Instead of taking modern medicine, they are more comfortable with traditional medicine, which is known as the 'sum of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures.' The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises the role of traditional medicine, saying that whether explainable or not, the medicine is 'used to improve or treat physical and mental illness.'
In South Asia, two primary forms of traditional medicine have been used widely for over a thousand years: Unani and Ayurvedic.
Originating in India as early as 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda remains a favoured form of health care in large parts of the East, especially in South Asia. The word 'Ayurveda,' derived from Sanskrit, means 'science of life' and is based on a natural and holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health. It operates on the principle that everything in life is interconnected, and 'general health and wellness rely on achieving balance and harmony.' This principle enlightens us about the holistic approach of Ayurveda.
On the other hand, Unani medicine refers to an ancient Greek system of medicine that 'emphasises the balance of four temperaments and four humors in order to promote health and prevent illness.' It recognises the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being and encourages individuals to take responsibility for it. The system, after further development in the Arab and Persian lands, came to India around the 8th century. It is also known as Tibbe Unani, Arabin or Persian medicine. Hakim Ajmal Khan is generally recognised as the most significant twentieth-century contributor to Unani medicine in South Asia. In Bangladesh, Hakim Habibur Rahman of Dhaka, in the 19th century, became famous for practising and spreading the Unani medicines. He is ranked as 'Shefa-ul-Mulk.'
There is also a religious approach to distinguishing the Unani and Ayurvedic medical treatment systems. In this connection, a general perception is that the Hindus prefer Ayurvedic medicine while the Muslims like Unani medicines. It is like the Urdu and Hindi languages, as the first one is preferred by the Muslims and the latter by the Hindus. In reality, both the Hindus and the Muslims use both types of traditional medicines depending on their availability.
In Bangladesh, the production and use of traditional medicines are guided by the Bangladesh Unani and Ayurvedic Practitioners Ordinance 1983. The age-old decree has become a barrier to advancing the education, training, practice, research, use, and production of traditional medicines and treatments based on the system. A lack of proper and updated regulation also makes the system vulnerable to misuse, largely by quacks.
Against this backdrop, a new law or act has been proposed by Prachi, a leading national voluntary organisation dedicated to preserving ancient and traditional medical systems in the country. The organisation, with the help of experts and practitioners of the Unani and Ayurvedic system, has drafted the Bangladesh Traditional System of Medicine Act, 2024. This draft proposes legal protection for the practice and use of traditional healthcare and medicines in the country. It also suggests the formation of a board, a council, and a research council each for the Unani and Ayurvedic systems. The absence of such regulatory and research bodies undermines the potential of the traditional medicines.
As the interest in traditional medicines, based on natural and herbal elements, is growing across the world, the adoption of the act, with necessary revisions, could be a significant step towards boosting the country's overall medical treatment system. Therefore, it is crucial for the interim government to review and examine the proposed act carefully.
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