The future of traditional healing practices in Pakistan is shrouded in uncertainty, as a proposed government merger threatens to disrupt the lives of thousands of hakeems and tibb students. But here's where it gets controversial: the government's decision to merge the National Council for Tibb and the National Council for Homoeopathy has sparked concern among practitioners and students alike, who fear the loss of legal recognition and the potential closure of their institutions. This is the part most people miss: the merger, driven by broader fiscal reforms and international commitments, could leave many without affordable access to healthcare and disrupt the livelihoods of hakeems who serve rural and low-income communities. But is this the only solution? The health ministry argues that the merger will improve standards, while practitioners and students worry about the impact on their education and careers. The controversy raises important questions about the future of traditional medicine in Pakistan and the role of government in regulating healthcare. As the debate continues, students like Arsalan Ali are left wondering if their degrees will still be valid when they graduate. And this is the part most people miss: the potential loss of 'affordable' qualifications and the impact on rural healthcare. So, what's the solution? The Pakistan Tibbi Alliance General Secretary, Hakeem Muhammad Sajjad, has formally raised concerns with the ministries of health and law, urging the government to halt the draft legislation. But will their voices be heard? And what will become of the hakeems and tibb students who have dedicated their lives to these traditional practices? The future is uncertain, and the debate rages on.
