The future of traditional healing practices in Pakistan hangs in the balance as uncertainty clouds the fate of tibb colleges and hakeems. These practitioners, who have been serving communities for decades, are now facing a potential crisis due to proposed government legislation. The government's recent decision to instruct colleges not to induct new students and the proposed merger of the National Council for Tibb and the National Council for Homoeopathy have sparked fears among hakeems and students alike.
Arsalan Ali, a pharmaceutical chemist turned Unani medicine practitioner, embodies the dilemma. He questions the value of his education as he nears graduation, fearing that his degree and license to practice may become obsolete. The concerns are not unfounded, as the government's actions could lead to the closure of institutions that have trained traditional hakeems for generations, leaving thousands of practitioners without legal recognition.
The core issue lies in the proposed 'National Traditional and Complementary Medicine (NTCAM) Act, 2025', which could dismantle the sector. This act, driven by broader fiscal reforms and international commitments, threatens to merge regulatory councils, potentially erasing the distinct legal and educational framework of traditional medicine. Hakeems, who have been working in far-flung regions, argue that their expertise is unique, as MBBS doctors rarely practice in their native areas.
The financial burden of the councils is minimal, yet the merger is proposed, raising questions about its logic. Practitioners warn that the merger could make practice impossible, and students express anxiety about the loss of affordable healthcare options. The decision could disrupt rural healthcare, as hakeems often serve as the primary healthcare providers in these areas.
The story of Awais Siddique highlights the reliance on traditional medicine. After exhausting hospital options, he turned to a hakeem for help with his wife's bone marrow cancer. The treatment brought lasting relief, challenging the notion that traditional medicine is a last resort. However, it is essential to note that scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of traditional or homoeopathic treatments in cancer prevention or cure is lacking.
As the debate continues, students like Arsalan Ali remain uncertain about their future. The fate of tibb colleges and hakeems hangs in the balance, with the potential impact on traditional healing practices and the communities they serve. The government's decision could shape the future of healthcare in Pakistan, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of practitioners and patients alike.
