Dubai to host first global meet on Indian medical systems

Dubai — Bringing the healing touch of traditional Indian systems of medicine to Dubai, the emirate is all set to host the first international Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) conference and exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from November 9 to 11.

The announcement was made at the Indian Consulate in Dubai by Consul General of India Vipul in the presence of Navdeep Singh Suri, Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Dr B.R. Shetty, chairman of organising committee of Ayush; and other members of the committee.

The exhibition is being organised with a vision to spread the benefits of Ayush to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and America and is based on the theme ‘Lifestyle diseases — prevention and management through Ayush’.

“Traditional knowledge is our heritage and should be shared with mankind and that is the idea of some of such initiatives the government of India is taking. Let us look beyond the narrow confines of western medicine and embrace the much more holistic idea of healing that Ayush represents,” said Navdeep Suri.

Discussing the relevance of the conference, Dr V.L. Shyam, general-secretary of the organising committee of Ayush, said: “We are hosting this event in Dubai is, firstly because of the connectivity factor of Dubai with other continents, secondly because of the city’s receptive nature.

“And also the Ayush system are approved as medical systems under ‘traditional complimentary and alternative medicine’, Ministry of Health, UAE since 2003. This event is part of the efforts to make Ayush systems part of mainstream medicine and not just a traditional, complimentary and alternative medicine but as a future medicine.”

Talking about how Ayush systems are recognised by the UAE insurance companies, Dr Shyam said: “Now most of the insurance companies in the UAE cover traditional, complimentary and alternative medicine on a reimbursement basis. Depending on the medical policies, about 75 to 80 per cent we get reimbursement through licenced clinics and when prescribed by a licensed doctor. Direct billing part will be discussed further with the UAE government.”

The conference is being organised under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, with the guidance and patronage of Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of India, Dubai.

“I am honoured to be the chairman of the organising committee, mainly, because it was the late Sheikh Zayed’s dream to introduce the idea of herbal medicine in the UAE. There is also a company in his name — Zayed Herbal Centre. I am happy that one of their doctors will also be attending the conference,” said Dr B.R. Shetty. With 1,200 Ayush practitioners expected to attend, from all over the world, the event is expected to attract an estimated 30,000 participants, including health policymakers, Ayush entrepreneurs and researchers as well as industry professionals. A ministerial-level participation is also expected at the inaugural event in Dubai, from both the Indian and UAE governments.