By Malik Sajad
As we are going to Celebrate the World Unani Day on 11 Feb, lets Remember the Remarkable Contributions of Dr Abdul Kabir Dar, the Hero who took AYUSH Health Care Services of JK to the new Heights of advancement.
Dr Abdul Kabir Dar , presently working as Secretary in Administrative Reforms Inspections Trainings Department J&K , has been serving in the public domain for more than 30 years with utmost zeal and assiduity in different capacities, leadership roles of various important departments of JK and has dedicated most of his service for improving public healthcare, by employing various strategies to provide basic health care facilities to patients efficiently. His efforts encompass infrastructure development, capacity building, and optimal available resource utilization.

Dr. Abdul Kabir’s career highlights a vast array of responsibilities, showcasing his leadership and expertise, such as Supervising food safety regulations as Commissioner of Food & Drug Administration Standards, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Kabir brought prominence to the state in food safety Indexes . His efforts were recognized with awards from the Food Safety Standards Authority of India, acknowledging the state’s excellence in promoting healthy food practices and ensuring consumer safety.
Managing health and medical education policies as Secretary of the Technical, Health & Medical Education Department, J&K; directing the administration of the Government Unani Medical College, J&K, Kashmir, as Principal; overseeing marketing operations for horticultural produce in J&K as Managing Director of J&K Horticultural Produce Marketing Corporation Ltd; handling medical supplies procurement and distribution in J&K as MD of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd; spearheading the implementation of the National AYUSH Mission in J&K as Founder (Mission Director); providing oversight to the Indian Systems of Medicine sector in J&K as Director General, Indian Systems of Medicine (AYUSH), J&K; coordinating activities for promoting medicinal plant cultivation as Project Coordinator of the J&K State Vanaspati Project; establishing and leading the J&K State Medical Plants Board to promote medicinal plant research and cultivation as Founder CEO; guiding scientific endeavors at the National Institute of Unani Medicine as Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee; contributing to policy development for food safety at the national level as Member, Central Advisory Committee, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India; serving in advisory and leadership roles for the regulation of Indian medicine practices at the national level as Former Member/Chairman, Central Council of Indian Medicine; providing expertise for research activities in Unani medicine as Former Expert Member, Governing Body of the Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) Consultative Committee; overseeing ethical considerations in research activities related to Unani medicine as Former Chairman, Institutional Ethical Committee; organizing the first global conference on Medicinal and Aromatic plants Ayurveda Unani medicine held in Srinagar, J&K, as Convener; contributing to the establishment and development of the World Unani Foundation as a Founding Member; supervising editorial operations and content management for AYUSH-related news in J&K as Chief Editor of AYUSH
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s tireless efforts in promoting traditional medicine, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and fostering research and skill development were recognized and applauded by the Government of India and J&K Government.
His leadership and commitment to holistic healthcare have left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in the field and inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to prioritize the integration of traditional healing practices with modern medicine for the betterment of society.
Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar’s tenure as the Director/Director General of the ISM and AYUSH department in Jammu & Kashmir was characterized by innovation, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery. His visionary leadership has laid the foundation for a healthier and more vibrant future rooted in the rich heritage of traditional healing practices in J&K, serving as a guiding light for healthcare reform and development initiatives in the region and beyond.
One of Dr. Abdul Kabir’s primary focuses has been on advancement of Ayurvedic and Unani, Homeopathic Health Care System in the JK. Through his relentless efforts, he has elevated the AYUSH sector, making it a respected and viable alternative to allopathic medicine.This has not only preserved the Indian Systems of Medicine but also integrated it into mainstream healthcare delivery systems, and initiated research activities thus earning widespread recognition.
In his capacity as Director General AYUSH, Dr. Abdul Kabir played a pivotal role in reviving AYUSH education, establishing two Government Medical colleges, and sanctioning positions for medical officers and pharmacists and various integrated Hospitals. He introduced new practices like Sowa-Rigpa, Yoga, and Naturopathy, enriching the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, whose tenure as the Director General of the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and AYUSH in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) spanned from 2005 to 2017, is remembered today for his profound impact on the healthcare sector in the region. His visionary leadership and strategic initiatives not only modernized the ISM department but also brought traditional healing practices to the forefront of healthcare delivery.
Establishment Of AYUSH Medical Colleges:
During Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar’s leadership, two government AYUSH medical colleges were established in J&K: the Govt. Unani College at Ganderbal and the Govt. Ayurvedic College at Jammu. These institutions not only provided academic opportunities for students but also served as centers for research and innovation in traditional medicine, contributing to the advancement of healthcare knowledge in the region.
Integration Of AYUSH Systems Into Primary Healthcare:
Under Dr. Abdul Kabir’s guidance, J&K became the first state to achieve 100% co-location of AYUSH systems of treatment under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).This integration ensured that a wider segment of the population had access to holistic and affordable healthcare services by incorporating traditional medicine into the primary healthcare system, thus improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for the people of J&K.
Expansion Of AYUSH Services:
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s vision for expanding AYUSH services led to the establishment of AYUSH units in government medical colleges, district hospitals, and community health centers across the state. By bringing AYUSH services closer to communities, he aimed to promote a holistic approach to healthcare and foster the integration of traditional and modern medical practices, catering to the diverse healthcare needs of the population.
National AYUSH Mission Implementation:
J&K’s proactive approach in launching and implementing the National AYUSH Mission under Dr. Abdul Kabir’s leadership garnered appreciation from the Government of India. This mission aimed to revitalize traditional healing systems and promote AYUSH healthcare initiatives, aligning perfectly with Dr. Dar’s vision for healthcare reform in the state and contributing to the enhancement of healthcare services and infrastructure in J&K.
Promotion Of Indigenous Medicine:
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s commitment to showcasing the rich heritage of indigenous medicine was evident in the organization of two maga National Level AROGYA Fairs and the Global Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic plants Ayurvedic/Unani Medicine (GCUM). These events not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also positioned J&K as a hub for traditional medicine discourse on the national and global stage, highlighting the significance of traditional healing practices in modern healthcare and opened new avenues for AYUSH manufacturing Industry and Entrepreneur development in JK.
Conservation Of Medicinal Plants:
Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants in traditional healing practices, Dr. Kabir championed the establishment of the J&K Medicinal Plants Board. This initiative focused on promoting the cultivation, conservation, and sustainable management of medicinal and aromatic plants, contributing to biodiversity conservation and economic empowerment of local communities, while also ensuring the availability of key ingredients for traditional medicine production.
Emphasis On Research And Skill Development:
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s emphasis on research and skill development in the ISM department resulted in a surge of publications and initiatives aimed at enhancing the competencies of healthcare professionals. Through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, re-orientation training, and skill development courses, Dr. Kabir ensured that healthcare professionals were equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in traditional healing practices, thus enhancing the quality of healthcare services in J&K.
Administrative Reforms:
Transparency and accountability were at the core of Dr. Abdul Kabir’s administrative reforms in the ISM department. The development of the departmental website (www.jkdism.in) and the implementation of HR tools for performance management streamlined processes, promoted meritocracy, and boosted employee morale, ensuring efficient service delivery to the people of J&K, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the department.
Recognition and Legacy:
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s tireless efforts in promoting traditional medicine, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and fostering research and skill development were recognized and applauded by the Government of India and J&K Government. His leadership and commitment to holistic healthcare have left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in the field and inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to prioritize the integration of traditional healing practices with modern medicine for the betterment of society.
As the founder CEO of the J&K State Medicinal Plants Board, Dr. Abdul Kabir initiated the prestigious Vanaspati Van project, promoting the cultivation and research of medicinal plants.This initiative not only empowered farmers and unemployed youth but also showcased the state’s herbal wealth nationally and internationally.
Dr Abdul Kabir played a pivotal role in representing JK in various national and international conferences and workshops aimed at promoting medicinal plants, healthcare administration, and alternative medicine practices. Notable events include participation in the 1st Global Summit on Medicinal Plants in Mauritius in 2003, representing the Department of AYUSH at the 1st Bay of Bengal Initiative for multi-sectoral and National level workshop on Hospital Administration & Management and attendance at the World Ayurvedic Congress in Bangalore in 2010.
During his leadership as Director AYUSH JK various leading initiatives were taken to enhance healthcare accessibility, 160 new Medical Officer positions have been created, while 30 Homeopathic Medical Officer positions broaden healthcare options. Operational efficiency receives a boost with the addition of 7 Ministerial Staff and 3 managerial roles in the ISM Department. Additionally, staffing for newly established ISM Institutions includes 87 Medical Officer and 87 Nursing Orderly positions. Engaging 445 ISM Medical Officers, 358 ISM Pharmacists, and 434 Unani/Ayurvedic doctors in health programs further strengthens healthcare services. Initiatives for employment generation include the Vanaspati Van Project, which contributed 18,945 man-days to medicinal plant conservation, and the commercial cultivation of medicinal plants on 816 acres of land, offering employment opportunities. Plans for Marketing Mandies for Medicinal Plants in J&K state hold promise for further employment and revenue generation.
Moreover, as the first Mission Director of the National AYUSH Mission, Dr. Kabir facilitated the establishment of integrated AYUSH hospitals and wellness centers, expanding access to alternative healthcare services.
Dr. Abdul Kabir’s tireless efforts in promoting traditional medicine, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and fostering research and skill development were recognized and applauded by the Government of India and J&K Government. His leadership and commitment to holistic healthcare have left an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, setting a benchmark for future endeavors in the field and inspiring generations of healthcare professionals to prioritize the integration of traditional healing practices with modern medicine for the betterment of society.
In conclusion, Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar’s tenure as the Director/Director General of the ISM and AYUSH department in Jammu & Kashmir was characterized by innovation, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery. His visionary leadership has laid the foundation for a healthier and more vibrant future rooted in the rich heritage of traditional healing practices in J&K, serving as a guiding light for healthcare reform and development initiatives in the region and beyond. As we commemorate Unani Day, let us remember and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar to the advancement of healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
- The author is a columnist and a CEO of a law Firm Lex- Counsels Advocates and Law Consultants JK and can be reached at maliksajjad697@gmail.
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