My Journey to Tibb

Summary

In 1990, a pharmacist's life changed when his daughter was diagnosed with a severe lung condition that conventional medicine couldn't treat. This led him to explore alternative systems like Unani medicine. With years of research and training at institutions like Karachi University, he founded an Institute focused on integrating Unani medicine with Western practices. His work has been recognized through published books and the prestigious Lifetime Philanthropy Award. Today, his Institute continues to promote accessible healthcare through research, education, and empowerment, contributing to the global validation of holistic medicine.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker qualified as a pharmacist in 1969 and founded Bitter Pharmaceuticals in 1974, later selling it to the largest privately owned pharmaceutical company in the country.
• 😀 The turning point in the speaker’s life came in 1990 when their youngest daughter developed severe lung problems that conventional Western medicine could not effectively treat.
• 😀 The daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition causing hardening of the alveoli, highlighting the limitations of conventional medicine.
• 😀 This personal experience motivated the speaker to explore alternative systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Unani medicine.
• 😀 The speaker chose to focus on Unani medicine due to its philosophical foundation based on Hippocrates' principles of cause and effect in medicine.
• 😀 Extensive research and training in Unani medicine were conducted in collaboration with HUNDA University in Pakistan between 1994 and 1997.
• 😀 The speaker learned from Hakim Mohamed Sayed and Abdul Haq to gain deep insights into both the philosophy and practical applications of Unani medicine.
• 😀 The Institute of Unani Medicine was established to integrate Unani principles with Western medicine, creating a holistic and evidence-based approach.
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• 😀 The speaker emphasized the importance of the word 'Tibb' in naming the Institute, reflecting a broad inclusion of medical knowledge under Integrative Medicine.
• 😀 Over 25 years, the Institute has published books, academic papers, and contributed to healthcare in South Africa, India, and Pakistan, earning recognition and awards.
• 😀 The Institute continues research to validate Unani principles scientifically, promoting self-empowerment in healthcare and making treatments globally accessible and affordable.

Q & A

What is the background of the speaker in the video?

The speaker qualified as a pharmacist in 1969 and later founded Bitter Pharmaceuticals in 1974, which eventually became the largest privately owned pharmaceutical company in the country.

What personal experience led the speaker to explore alternative medicine?

In 1990, the speaker's youngest daughter developed jaundice and severe breathing difficulties, which were eventually diagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis. After conventional Western treatments failed, this prompted the speaker to explore alternative medicine.

What was the diagnosis given by the pulmonologist regarding the speaker’s daughter’s condition?

The pulmonologist diagnosed the speaker's daughter with pulmonary fibrosis, which involves the hardening of the alveoli in the lungs, and stated that there was no cure available in Western medicine.

Why did the speaker decide to research other forms of medicine?

The speaker, frustrated by the limitations of conventional Western medicine, decided to research other medical systems, focusing on Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and eventually Unani medicine, as they seemed to offer a broader perspective on healing.

What is the key philosophy that guided the speaker's interest in Unani medicine?

The speaker was drawn to Unani medicine because it is based on the teachings of Hippocrates, emphasizing cause and effect and rejecting superstition in medical practice.

How did the speaker get involved with Unani medicine academically?

The speaker met Hakim Mohamed Sayed from the University of Hunza in 1994 and later attended a crash course in Unani medicine in 1997, which helped deepen their understanding of the system.

What was the speaker's primary focus when studying Unani medicine?

The speaker focused primarily on the philosophical aspects of Unani medicine, with a particular interest in its approach to treating the root causes of illness, not just the symptoms.

How has the speaker contributed to the field of Unani medicine?

The speaker has published numerous books, contributed academic papers, and has been recognized for their efforts in integrating Unani medicine with Western healthcare practices, especially in South Africa.

What recognition has the speaker received for their work in medicine?

The speaker was awarded the 'Lifetime Philanthropy Award' for their contributions to medicine and the promotion of Unani medicine, as well as for advancing healthcare practices.

What is the speaker’s vision for the future of the Institute of Unani Medicine?

The speaker envisions expanding the Institute, focusing on service delivery, the practice of Unani medicine, and conducting research that validates the principles of Unani medicine, while also empowering people to take responsibility for their own health.