BUMS - Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery

Comprehensive 5.5-year program rooted in the Unani system of medicine, combining traditional healing with modern science to prepare students for careers in holistic healthcare.

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Course Overview

The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program focused on the Unani system of medicine, a traditional healing system rooted in ancient Greek medical principles. This program includes a 1-year mandatory internship, providing students with comprehensive knowledge of Unani therapies, including herbal remedies, personalized regimens, and various natural treatment methods. BUMS graduates are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of health conditions, emphasizing holistic wellness and personalized patient care.

Duration & Eligibility

5.5 years (4.5 years academics + 1 year internship)

Candidates usually need to have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) subjects.

NEET-UG: This is the primary national-level entrance exam for medical courses, including BUMS. State-Level Exams: Some states may conduct their own entrance exams, such as OJEE, for BUMS admissions.

Course Fees

India: Government colleges: Costing less than INR 1 lakh per year, Private colleges: ₹1,00,000 - ₹6,50,000 per year

International: The fee ranges from £375 to £435 (approximately ₹39,000 to ₹45,000)

Career Prospects

Salary Insights

Entry Level (India) ₹3L–4L per year
Experienced (India) ₹6L–7L per year

Top Colleges

Tamil Nadu
  • Government Unani Medical College, Chennai
  • Moomtaz Unani Medical College & Hospital, Cuddalore
  • Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam Siddha Medical College, Tirupati
  • Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, Salem
  • Velumailu Siddha Medical College, Sriperumbudur
  • Maria Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Kanyakumari
  • R.V.S. Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Coimbatore
  • Nandha Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Erode
  • Akila Thiruvithamcore Siddha Vaidhya Kalloori, Siddha Medical College and Hospital, Kanyakumari
India
  • Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) – Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
  • Government Nizamia Tibbi College – Hyderabad, Telangana
  • MUHS (Maharashtra University of Health Sciences), Nashik
  • Jamia Hamdard – New Delhi
  • Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College – Delhi
  • Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur
  • Government Unani Medical College, Chennai
  • Glocal University, Saharanpur
  • Dr. Abdul Haq Unani Medical College – Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
  • Luqman Unani Medical College – Bijapur, Karnataka
  • Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, Bangalore
International
  • Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo – Sri Lanka
  • Hamdard University – Pakistan
  • Qarshi University – Pakistan
  • Hamdard University Bangladesh
  • Government College of Eastern Medicine (Lahore)
  • Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College (Dhaka), Bangladesh
  • Jinnah Unani Medical College (Karachi), Pakistan
  • Sylhet Unani Medical College (Sylhet), Bangladesh
  • Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences (various locations)

Curriculum & Specializations

Core Subjects
  • Arabic and Mantiq wa Falsifa (Logic, Philosophy, and Astronomy)
  • Tareekh-e-tib (History of Medicine)
  • Kulliyat Umoore Tabiya
Key Skills Acquired
  • Diagnostic Skills
  • Herbal Medicine Knowledge
  • Patient Communication
  • Therapeutic Techniques
Specializations
  • Unani Surgery
  • Unani Pharmacy
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Community Health

International Exposure in BUMS

Enhanced Understanding of Global Health Systems

BUMS graduates gain international exposure, learning about diverse healthcare systems and Unani medicine practices worldwide. This knowledge aids in adapting Unani medicine for more effective and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions.

Development of Global Mindset and Adaptability

Engaging with diverse cultures cultivates a global outlook and adaptability, essential for BUMS graduates working in varied settings or with international teams.

Improved Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

International exposure fosters cross-cultural communication skills in BUMS graduates, aiding connections with diverse patients and colleagues for building trust crucial in patient care.

Benefits of Choosing BUMS Program

Holistic Healing Approach

Emphasizing holistic patient care, focusing on root causes, using natural therapies with minimal side effects, and promoting preventive health and lifestyle modifications.

Unique Medical Knowledge

Access to ancient medicinal wisdom, personalized treatment based on temperament, expertise in traditional diagnostics, and knowledge of natural pharmacology.

Professional Opportunities

Global interest in complementary medicine is rising, offering roles in government AYUSH departments, private practice, Unani pharmaceutical firms, and traditional medicine research.

Affordable Healthcare Provision

Proficiency in cost-effective treatments compared to traditional medicine, serving rural and underserved regions with accessible healthcare and expertise in home remedies to cut treatment expenses.

Integrative Potential

Bridging traditional knowledge with modern medicine, integrating with conventional healthcare, gaining recognition in mainstream systems, and contributing to evidence-based research.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

Engaging in upholding and developing ancient medical practices rooted in a historical legacy of Hippocrates, Galen, and Ibn Sina, while also organizing traditional medical wisdom.

Pros and Cons of BUMS

Pros

Traditional medical system with deep historical roots, incorporating Greek, Arab, and South Asian healing traditions with a focus on lifestyle, diet, and natural remedies.

Growing demand for alternative medicine, with Unani recognized and promoted by AYUSH in India, aligning with rising interest in holistic healthcare.

Government support and diverse job opportunities in government hospitals, research institutions, teaching, private practice, and public health programs.

Affordable education, with BUMS programs in government colleges being significantly cheaper than MBBS programs.

Scope for higher studies, including postgraduate options like MD (Unani), research, public health, or hospital administration.

Cons

Limited global recognition, with Unani medicine not widely accepted outside South Asia, requiring retraining for international practice.

Limited infrastructure and modern research support, with ongoing efforts to improve clinical evidence and standardization.

Dependency on government policies and AYUSH regulations, making the field vulnerable to policy changes.

Language barriers, as some courses involve classical languages like Urdu, Arabic, or Persian, which can be challenging for some students.

Comparatively slower career progression, with initial salaries and growth often lower than mainstream allopathic medicine.

Pursue a Career in Unani Medicine with BUMS

The Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program focused on the Unani system of medicine, a traditional healing system rooted in Greek medical principles. This program includes a 1-year internship and equips students with a deep understanding of Unani therapies, including herbal remedies, regimens, and various treatment methods, preparing them for successful careers as Unani practitioners.