All You Need to Know to Build a Career as An Unani Doctor

There are different schools of medicine today. The most common school of medicine is allopathy which concerns our regular doctors and surgeons. Other old schools of medicine are Unani medicine, Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, etc. All these ancient medicine schools come from different regions and Unani happens to be an ancient Arabic-Persian school. If you are sure to pursue this medical school, then do choose Unani Doctor as your profession.

Unani Doctor is a professional physician who has acquired knowledge of medicine from the school of Homoeopathy. As an Unani doctor, you will diagnose patients, and give them Unani medication (only approved as per Homoeopathy and recognized by the Indian medicine association). However, you cannot prescribe any modern-day medicine nor can you perform allopathic surgeries. You will be as good a doctor as an allopathic doctor but with different sets of procedures and treatments.

Why become an Unani Doctor?

As an Unani doctor, you will use the methodology of Unani medicine to treat patients to maintain a healthy life, treat diseases, eliminate illness, reduce stress, etc. Unani science is based o the concept that the body is made of several elements. These elements balance the health of the person. Thus, Unani medicine is based on balancing these elements in the body.

As a Uannani doctor, you will diagnose patients, and based on the diagnosis you will treat them through medication, massages, exercise, cupping, aromatherapy, etc. There is a limited number of Unani surgeries too. As an Unani doctor, you are allowed to prescribe medicines as per the Unani treatment. No modern medicines can be prescribed by an Unani doctor.

What does an Unani Doctor do?

As an Unani doctor, you will have different roles and responsibilities based on your specialty. Following is the list of a few roles and responsibilities across the specialties:

• As an Unani Doctor, you will prescribe medicines, administer treatment, therapy, medication, and messaging as per Unani Medical school
• You will advise on physical exercises, diets and other related aspects for helping a patient recover from an illness or disorder.
• You will address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
• You will collect, record, and maintain patient information, including medical history, reports, or examination results. 
• You will ensure the safety of patients and guests throughout the day and night.
• As an Unani Doctor working with AYUSH, you will visit each sub-center under your areas once in a week.
• You will organize and participate in a health day organized at the Anganwadi center.
• You will assist the senior medical officer.
• You will receive patients at any odd hour for any clinical assistance.

How to become an Unani Doctor – Eligibility Criteria

To become an Unani Doctor, you must do a Bachelor’s degree in Unani Medicine and Surgery. Thereafter you may do an MD in Unani Medicine in any one of the following fields or related fields:

• Ilaj bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy)
• IlmulAdvia (Pharmacology)
• IlmulJarahat (Surgery)
• IlmulQabalatwaAmrazeNiswan (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
• IlmulSaidla (Pharmacy)
• Kulliyat (Basic Principles)
• Moalajat (Medicine)
• TahaffuziwaSamaji Tib (Preventive and Social medicine)

Educational Fees

The fees for becoming an Unani Doctor in India vary depending on the institution you choose to study at. Typically, the fees for a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) degree program range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per year. However, some institutions may charge more or less than this range.

It’s also important to note that the cost of education is just one factor to consider when pursuing a degree in Unani medicine. Other factors to consider include the reputation of the institution, the quality of the faculty, the availability of practical training, and the overall academic environment.

Job Opportunities

• After B.U.M.S., you can join AYUSH Centres and Unani Hospitals as Hakims, Unani Medical Officers or Unani Physicians.
• You can also join an Unani medical college at the rank of Assistant Professor.
• Different state Public Service Commissions (Unani Department) will hire you at different Posts like Medical Superintendent.

Salary of an Unani Doctor

After completing the B.U.M.S./ M.D. course:

• At the entry level, one joins as a Medical Officer and earns about Rs. 30,000 – 50,000 a month. With experience, their salary increases. Medical Superintendent earns from Rs. 56,000 to 1,77,000 per month.
• At the junior level with a work experience of 5-6 years, you would be earning anything between Rs. 50,000 to 2,00,000 per month.
• At the middle level with an experience of 8-12 years, you would be earning anything between Rs. 1,40,000 to 2,25,000 per month.
• At the senior level of over 12 years of work experience, you would be earning anything between Rs. 1,50,000 to 2,50,000 per month or even more.

Career Progression in Unani Doctor Profession

• My career growth in university and college states from Assistant Professor and then Associate Professor, Professor and Professor Emeritus. Professors can also get administrative positions such as Director/Dean/Vice Chancellor, etc
• If you Join as Medical Officer, then you will go on to become Deputy Medical Superintendent and then Additional Medical Superintendent and then Medical Superintendent. You might also become the director of the Hospital.
• If you join as Medical Superintendent, then you may become Assistant Director, Additional Director and then Director of Unani Medicine.

What does industry trends say – Future Prospects

Indian Medical industry is growing exponentially riding on strong demand due to rising incomes, greater health awareness and increase in access to insurance. It might grow to 373 Billion USD in 2022 as per a report by ibef.org. Also, with the introduction of Ayushman Bharat, Insurance and medical benefit are given by the Government of India, and more and more people will start using medical facilities. With a separate department of AYUSH, the government is pushing for Unani medicine as well. Presently Rajasthan, Himachal, Up, West Bengal, Bihar and Maharashtra have a separate departments for Unani Medicine.

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