(Distinguished Professor of Unani Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, Former Director General, CCRUM)
Professor Syed Shakir Jamil
Professor Syed Shakir Jamil is a distinguished figure in the field of Unani medicine, renowned for his lifelong contributions as an academician, researcher, and practitioner. As a professor in the School of Unani Medicine at Jamia Hamdard University and a former Director General of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Prof. Jamil has dedicated his career to advancing Unani medicine on both national and international platforms. His unmatched expertise in clinical Unani medicine, research, and administration has earned him widespread respect, making him an influential leader in promoting this holistic approach to healthcare.
Professor Jamil’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Indian Medicine and Surgery (BIMS), in which he graduated as a gold medallist in 1976. His dedication to Unani medicine led him to pursue an M.D. in Moalijat (Clinical Unani Medicine), where his thesis on Unani formulations for treating arthritis gained critical acclaim within the Unani medical fraternity. This early achievement marked the start of a distinguished career defined by research excellence, pioneering treatment methodologies, and tireless commitment to improving Unani healthcare practices.
Professor Jamil’s career in teaching and clinical practice began as a Demonstrator in Moalijat at A & U Tibbia College, Karol Bagh, affiliated with the University of Delhi. In 1984, he joined Jamia Hamdard’s School of Unani Medicine and Research (SUMER), where he rapidly ascended through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer and, eventually, a full Professor of Moalijat in 2004. His role as Head of the Department of Moalijat from 2003 to 2010 and as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 2005 to 2007 highlights his administrative capabilities and his commitment to academic excellence. During his tenure, he established SUMER as a leading center for Unani studies, drawing national and international attention to the institute.
In 2010, Professor Jamil was appointed Director General of CCRUM, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, where he served until 2015. Under his leadership, CCRUM achieved significant strides in research, education, and the regulation of Unani medicine. Professor Jamil played an instrumental role in establishing Intra-Mural Research Policies to enhance research standards across regional CCRUM centers. He championed various high-profile collaborations, including initiatives with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), and the National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT). These partnerships enabled groundbreaking research in Unani medicine and set new benchmarks for clinical trials and ethical standards in Unani research.
A prolific researcher, Professor Jamil has supervised over 25 M.D. theses and published more than 70 research papers in esteemed journals. His work spans diverse health issues, including arthritis, hepatobiliary diseases, respiratory conditions, and skin disorders, showcasing the potential of Unani formulations in managing complex and chronic illnesses. As a contributor to numerous conferences and workshops, he has shared his knowledge of Moalijat and Unani medicine on a global scale, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Professor Jamil’s dedication to standardizing Unani medicine is evident in his contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) as he spearheaded the development of critical documents, including the “WHO Benchmarks for Practice in Unani Medicine” and “WHO Benchmarks for Training in Unani Medicine.” These benchmarks, drafted between 2017 and 2022, serve as a foundation for global Unani practice and training standards, a pivotal advancement in the field. His commitment to Unani medicine’s international growth is reflected in his role as Course Director for Al-Balagh Academy’s online program, “Introduction to Unani Medicine” (Level I & II), where he continues to educate and inspire a global audience.
Beyond his academic and administrative accomplishments, Professor Jamil is an active practitioner, serving thousands of patients with ailments such as arthritis, respiratory and skin diseases, and lifestyle-related conditions. His treatments are rooted in Unani principles and exemplify his belief in health equity and accessible care. As Chief Advisor of the Foundation of Social Care and Hayat Group of Institutions in Lucknow, Professor Jamil continues to promote Unani wellness initiatives, focusing on improving the quality of life for communities across India.
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Unani medicine, Professor Jamil has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Sheikh Zayed International Award in 2022 for his leadership in Unani research, the Lifetime Achievement Award by CCRUM in 2017, and the Bharat Samaj Ratna Award in 2018. His accolades highlight his tireless dedication to Unani medicine, affirming his role as a visionary in the field.
Professor Jamil’s contributions to regulatory frameworks in Unani medicine are invaluable. As a long-time member of the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), he played a vital role in revising and modernizing the syllabi for B.U.M.S. and M.D. courses between 1990 and 2005. His influence extends to advisory roles in AYUSH committees and task forces, where he has helped shape research, policy, and education initiatives for traditional medicine in India.
Today, as Chairman of the Editorial Board for the forthcoming International Journal of Unani & Traditional Medicine, Professor Jamil remains an active voice in the academic community. His leadership continues to inspire Unani practitioners, students, and researchers worldwide, ensuring the enduring legacy of Unani medicine.
