In a bid to enhance the quality and infrastructure of Unani medical education in India, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has introduced the “National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Minimum Essential Standards, Assessment and Rating for Undergraduate Unani Colleges and Attached Teaching Hospitals) Regulations, 2023.” These regulations have come into force from December 29, 2023.
These regulations establish stringent standards across various aspects of Unani medical education. The comprehensive regulations encompass a wide range of criteria, including admission capacity, land requirements, minimum constructed area, and general considerations for Unani Medical Colleges and their attached teaching hospitals. The aim is to ensure that these institutions meet specific standards in infrastructure, human resources, and overall functionality.
Key provisions of the regulations include defining the admission capacity in slabs of sixty, hundred, one hundred and fifty, and two hundred students. The guidelines also specify minimum land requirements for different student intake capacities, with considerations for geographical variations and urban settings.
For the constructed area, the regulations delineate minimum standards based on student intake capacities, emphasizing the need for separate buildings for colleges and hospitals. The standards vary for institutions established before and after February 19, 2013.
The regulations further address the campus requirements, emphasizing the need for proper road access, well-constructed compound walls, fire safety measures, and adequate facilities for physically challenged individuals. Additionally, an Information Technology cell, biometric attendance system, and an exclusive college website are mandated.
Official contact details are outlined, including the requirement for an official mobile number and email ID for the head of the institution. Independent official bank accounts are mandated for non-government institutions, and specific guidelines are provided for the use of these accounts.
The regulations also stress the importance of an Information Technology cell equipped to handle all IT-related activities and the installation of a biometric attendance system for various categories of staff and students.
These regulations mark a significant step towards standardizing and improving Unani medical education in India. By establishing stringent criteria, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine aims to ensure that Unani Medical Colleges and their attached teaching hospitals maintain high-quality standards, fostering excellence in education and healthcare.
