Delhi MCD will open more Ayurvedic and Unani medical dispensaries: Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh

New Delhi: The Integrated Medical Association (IMA-AYUSH) celebrated its 39th annual anniversary with the “Bhagwan Dhanvantari Jayanti Ceremony” at the NDMC Auditorium, Parliament Street, Connaught Place. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh inaugurated the event with the traditional Dhanvantari Puja.

During his address, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh stated, “There is no disease in Ayurveda that cannot be treated.” He shared that he personally underwent Ayurvedic treatment for his facial paralysis. He further announced, “More Ayurvedic and Unani clinics will be opened under the Delhi MCD.”

Dr. Ramphal Panchal, Media In-Charge and Chairman of the Legal Committee of IMA-AYUSH, said that the event officially began with Dhanvantari Vandana. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. M.B. Gaud, Director of Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Charak Sansthan, Delhi. Distinguished guests included Dr. P.K. Prajapati, Director of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dr. K.D. Pathak, Chief Reporter at Dainik Veer Arjun, and Dr. Vidyawati, Dean of SGT University, Gurugram. All guests were felicitated with mementos by IMA-AYUSH patrons Dr. R.S. Chauhan and Dr. O.P. Vashistha. The national president Dr. N.K. Chawaniya, national general secretary Dr. Raman Khanna, and Delhi president Dr. Arun Kataria also welcomed the guests with mementos and floral garlands.

Dr. Panchal announced that Dr. Bhima Bhatt was honored for his outstanding contributions in Ayurveda, and Prof. Dr. Hakim Mohammad Mazahir Alam was awarded for exceptional work in Unani medicine with the Dhanvantari Award, presented by Dr. P.K. Prajapati and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh. Additionally, Sushrut Award and Charak Award were presented to individuals for remarkable contributions to Ayurveda.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. S.P. Pandey by patron Dr. R.S. Chauhan in recognition of his commendable service to the organization. Practitioners from various states, including Haryana (Faridabad, Panipat, Karnal, Kaithal, Jhajjar), Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, were also felicitated.

During the event, Dr. Keshav Sharma delivered a detailed lecture on Lord Dhanvantari. Patron Dr. R.S. Chauhan highlighted the achievements of IMA-AYUSH over the past 40 years in promoting and developing traditional Indian medicine. National General Secretary Dr. Raman Khanna presented the organization’s annual report and showcased its notable initiatives.

Dr. Chauhan emphasized that the organization’s persistent efforts led to the establishment of a separate AYUSH Ministry in India. He requested Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh to open more clinics for Indian traditional medicine in Delhi MCD, which would provide employment opportunities for practitioners.

Dr. Panchal and Dr. P.K. Prajapati honored media representatives, including Mr. Gaurav Sharma (AYUSH Ministry), Mr. Ashok Kinkar (Khel Today), Mr. Deepak Chaubey (IANS), Ms. Payal Banerjee (PTI), Mr. Ajit Singh (Rashtriya Chhatra Shakti), Mr. Siddharth (PRO, AIIA), Ms. Ilteza Usmani (UNI, Urdu), and Dr. Farman Ali (Urdu), for their support in promoting Ayurveda.

Dr. Panchal also highlighted the organization’s legal and advocacy achievements, including winning the Delhi High Court order to conduct elections for the Delhi Indian Medicine Council, securing integration rights for practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani medicine, and getting medical certificates from ISM doctors approved for driving licenses in Delhi. The organization also conducted national CME events for Ayurveda and Unani practitioners, essential for annual license renewals.

Like every year, the organization published its annual journal, with key contributions from Dr. Lov Kumar, Dr. Rajeev Malhotra, Dr. Mohammad Asad, Dr. Shailesh Dwivedi, Dr. K.K. Singhal, and Dr. Jitendra Gaur. Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh released the journal, assuring that more Ayurvedic and Unani clinics would be opened under MCD, invoking Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings for all Indians.

Delhi State President Dr. Arun Kataria expressed gratitude to all attending guests and practitioners for their participation and support.