A Legacy Rooted in Dedication: The History of Eram Unani Medical College
The story of Eram Unani Medical College & Hospital begins in 1970, a pivotal year when the Eram Educational Society was founded by the visionary Late Dr. K.S.M. Yunus. With just five students under its wing, the society set out on a mission to democratize quality education, starting with modern schooling and evolving into a sprawling network of 36 institutions across Lucknow and Barabanki. What began as a modest endeavor to spread knowledge soon expanded into realms like medicine, management, pharmacy, and humanities, serving over 20,000 students today with a dedicated faculty of 1,500.
Unani medicine, derived from the Greek word "Ionian" and refined by Arab scholars, arrived in India centuries ago, flourishing under Mughal patronage. It emphasizes the balance of four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Eram's founders recognized this system's potential in a post-independence India grappling with healthcare disparities. Registered with the Registrar of Societies, Uttar Pradesh, the college was formally established to nurture Unani practitioners who could serve both urban elites and rural underprivileged communities.
Under the auspices of the Hasnu Ahmad Memorable & Charitable Society (HAMECS), Eram aligns with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Affiliated with the University of Gorkhpur, it has grown from a fledgling setup to a recognized hub for Unani education. Dr. Razmi Yunus, the current managing director with an M.D. in Unani, carries forward this legacy, representing the institution at national seminars on topics like "Intervention of Elaj-bit-Tadbeer in the Management of Pain & Disability" (2016) and "Cupping Therapy" (2015), where she earned accolades.
Today, Eram is part of the Eram Group, ranked No. 2 in India Today's survey for commerce-related programs (through sister institutions), underscoring the group's 50-year commitment to excellence. This history isn't just about milestones; it's about resilience—navigating regulatory changes, pandemics, and societal shifts while staying true to Unani's ethos of "Ilmul Hayat," or the Science of Life. As one alumnus reflected in a review, "Eram didn't just teach me medicine; it instilled the humanity behind healing."
Forging Healers: Academic Programs and Curriculum at Eram
At the core of Eram's offerings is the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS), a rigorous 4.5-year program followed by a mandatory one-year rotatory internship. With an annual intake of 60 seats, it's designed for those passionate about integrating Unani principles with evidence-based practices. The curriculum, approved by NCISM, covers foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology in the first professional year, transitioning to Unani-specific subjects such as Moalejat (internal medicine), Jarahat (surgery), and Tahaffuz-wa-Samaji Tib (preventive and community medicine) in later years.
What sets Eram's BUMS apart is its emphasis on practical immersion. Students engage in hands-on learning from day one, dissecting herbal formulations in pharmacology labs and observing patient consultations in the attached hospital. The internship phase—unpaid but invaluable—spans 12 months across departments: five months in Moalejat, two in Jarahat and Tahaffuz, one in ENT/Ophthalmology, and two each in Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics. This rotatory model equips graduates to handle diverse cases, from chronic ailments like diabetes (treated via regimenal therapy) to acute surgical needs.
Beyond BUMS, Eram fosters continuous learning through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs under the Ayurgyan Scheme by the Ministry of AYUSH. Recent highlights include a six-day CME for Unani medical officers in December, focusing on advanced diagnostic techniques. The college also hosts orientation ceremonies, like the glittering November event graced by Leena Johri IAS, Principal Secretary of AYUSH, Uttar Pradesh, welcoming the new batch with insights on policy and practice.
Student reviews rave about the curriculum's balance: "The blend of theory and clinics made me exam-ready," notes a 2023 graduate on Collegedunia. Challenges exist—exams can be tough, with pass rates around 60-70%—but the structured approach, including 75% mandatory attendance, builds discipline. Uniforms (fawn shalwar suits with green dupattas) foster a sense of unity, while compulsory participation in sports and cultural activities rounds out the holistic development.
In an era where integrative medicine is gaining traction, Eram's programs prepare students not just for clinics but for research and global opportunities, with alumni like Dr. Afroz Tufail serving as medical officers in Uttar Pradesh's government health services.
Pillars of Progress: Infrastructure and Facilities
Nestled on Kursi Road near Thana Gudamba, Lucknow-226022, Eram's campus sprawls across lush greenery, offering a serene escape from the city's bustle. The architecture maximizes natural light and ventilation, aligning with Unani's emphasis on environmental harmony. Classrooms are spacious, equipped with projectors and interactive boards for lectures on topics like "Amraz-e-Jild" (dermatology). Cutting-edge labs—pharmacognosy for herb identification and pathology for microscopy—feature state-of-the-art apparatus, ensuring students master both traditional tempering of drugs and modern analytics.
The library is a scholar's haven: a vast hall stocked with prescribed texts, journals like the Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, and digital resources via e-journals. Reading rooms buzz with future Hakims poring over Hakim Ajmal Khan's works, while periodicals keep pace with global Unani advancements. "The library's collection was my best friend during thesis prep," shares a student reviewer on Shiksha.
Hostel life thrives in separate, secure blocks for males and females, complete with Wi-Fi, laundry, and 24/7 security—essentials for out-of-state students from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Modern cafeterias serve nutritious, Unani-inspired meals (think barley soups and herbal teas), promoting the system's dietary principles. Sports facilities shine: a massive playground hosts cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, lawn tennis, t
