The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) has entered into a research and training agreement with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under which the ICMR will provide manpower training in several areas related to preclinical and clinical research especially clinical trials carried out under the Unani system as well as to bring in factor of quality to existing research practices presently operative.

According to senior CCRUM officials, the research and training collaboration between the two premier institutions is significant because value can be added to the existing preclinical and clinical trial programmes while conducting all Unani medicine trials. This would facilitate the product entry in future into the global arena.  “CCRUM realises that in the current context, undertaking regular training programme and working in collaborative mode with the ICMR is essential,” officials said.

Under the collaboration agreement, the ICMR will provide training to CCRUM research staff in the areas identified by CCRUM and shall take necessary steps including imparting hands-on technical training so that research staff of CCRUM may get trained as per the international requirements. While jointly examining and validating the clinical trial protocols submitted by CCRUM, the ICMR will keep in view the fundamentals and special circumstances of Unani medicines. Under the pact, the ICMR has also agreed to put regularly at one year interval the progress made to the joint implementation and monitoring committee.

Besides, the ICMR will identify, select and invite experts who will provide regular training to CCRUM research staff. As per the agreement, the ICMR will conduct collaborative research programmes specially at places and cities where both CCRUM and ICMR institutions have presence.

For this purpose, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the ICMR and the CCRUM, an apex organisation of Unani medicine engaged in clinical research, drug standardisation, survey and cultivation of medicinal plants in the country.