For aspiring healers passionate about natural remedies, preventive care, and personalized treatments based on the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), DRAATCH is more than an educational hub—it's a gateway to a noble profession. Established in 2007, the college has rapidly evolved into one of Uttar Pradesh's premier Unani institutions, approved by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and affiliated with Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, Gorakhpur. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll journey through its history, programs, facilities, and vibrant community, uncovering why DRAATCH is shaping the future of Unani practitioners in India. Whether you're a prospective student, a healthcare enthusiast, or simply curious about alternative medicine, read on to discover what makes this college a standout choice.
A Storied Beginning: History and Establishment of DRAATCH
The story of Dr. Abdul Ali Tibbiya College and Hospital begins in the vibrant cultural mosaic of Lucknow, a city renowned for its Nawabi heritage and contributions to arts, cuisine, and medicine. Founded in 2007 by the visionary Jamia-e-Shababil Islam Society—a registered non-profit based in Baraulia, Tagore Marg, Daliganj—the college was named in honor of Dr. Abdul Ali, a pioneering Unani physician whose dedication to holistic healing inspired generations. The society's mission was clear: to revive and propagate Unani medicine in an era dominated by allopathic interventions, ensuring that time-tested Greco-Arabic principles remain accessible to modern learners.
Strategically located in Katauli (Ahmadabad), Malihabad—about 30 kilometers west of Lucknow on the Lucknow-Hardoi Road—the campus spans a lush, green expanse at PIN 226102. This idyllic setting, far from the urban hustle yet connected by reliable transport, fosters an environment conducive to focused study and reflection. The college's establishment aligned with India's growing emphasis on traditional systems of medicine, bolstered by the AYUSH Ministry's initiatives to integrate Unani into national health programs.
Over the years, DRAATCH has grown from a modest setup to a full-fledged educational and clinical powerhouse. By 2010, it had secured NCISM recognition, enabling it to offer standardized degrees. The attached hospital, operational since inception, has treated thousands, blending classical Unani diagnostics—like pulse reading (nabz) and urine examination (baul)—with contemporary hygiene standards. Today, under the stewardship of Director Prof. Arshad Ali, the institution honors its founder's legacy while adapting to global health challenges, such as post-pandemic wellness and lifestyle diseases. This evolution reflects Unani's core philosophy: "As man is, so is the physician," underscoring the need for empathetic, adaptable healers.
The college's journey hasn't been without hurdles. Early challenges included infrastructure development in a semi-rural locale and building a faculty of experts. As we mark nearly two decades of its existence, DRAATCH stands as a symbol of resilience, proving that traditional knowledge can flourish in contemporary India.
Academic Excellence: Programs and Admission Insights
At the core of DRAATCH's offerings is the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS), a rigorous 5.5-year program (including a one-year compulsory internship) designed to produce competent Unani physicians. With an annual intake of 50 seats, the course delves into foundational sciences like anatomy (Tashreehul Badan), pharmacology (Ilmul Advia), and pathology (Ilmul Amraz), alongside clinical subjects such as gynecology (Niswan wa Qabalat) and surgery (Ilmul Jarahat). The curriculum, aligned with NCISM guidelines, integrates Unani principles with modern biomedical knowledge, preparing students for diverse roles in clinics, research, and public health.
The academic year kicks off with a blend of theory and practice. First-year students explore the humors and temperaments (Mizaj), learning how imbalances lead to ailments treatable via dietetics (Ilaj bil Ghiza) and regimental therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbir). By the third year, hands-on training in the herbal garden and pharmacy sharpens skills in compounding Unani formulations like Majoon and Qurs. The internship phase, conducted at the on-campus hospital, immerses students in real-world scenarios, from managing chronic conditions like diabetes (Ziabetes) to acute fevers.
Pillars of Wisdom: Faculty and Teaching Methodology
What elevates DRAATCH from good to exceptional is its faculty—a cadre of seasoned Unani scholars blending tradition with innovation. Led by Director Prof. Arshad Ali, a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards for his contributions to Unani research, the team comprises over 20 professors and associate professors across 12 departments. Standouts include Prof. Sirajuddin Khan in Tashreehul Badan, renowned for his dissections integrating Unani anatomy with MRI insights; Prof. Kausar Saeed in Amraz-e-Atfal (pediatrics), who pioneered child-specific herbal protocols; and Dr. Syed Sajid Ahmad in Moalajat (internal medicine), a prolific author on humoral imbalances in lifestyle disorders.
Faculty members hold advanced degrees like MD (Unani) from prestigious institutions such as Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Hamdard. Many have international exposure, having presented at global Unani conferences in Turkey and Iran. Their teaching philosophy emphasizes "Ilm wa Amal" (knowledge and practice), employing interactive methods like case studies, workshops, and mentorship circles. Students rave about the "guru-shishya" dynamic, where professors like Dr. Musharraf Ali guide late-night discussions on classical texts such as Canon of Medicine by Avicenna.
To foster research, DRAATCH encourages faculty-led projects on topics like Unani interventions for PCOS or COVID-19 sequelae, often published in journals like the Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences. Guest lectures from luminaries, including meetings with Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University's founder and vice-chancellor Prof. A.K. Singh, enrich the academic discourse. This dedicated faculty not only imparts Unani's holistic ethos but also equips students with evidence-based skills, ensuring they graduate as versatile professionals ready to bridge ancient and modern worlds.
Nurturing Growth: State-of-the-Art Facilities
DRAATCH's campus is a sanctuary of learning, where cutting-edge infrastructure
