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AYUSH vs. Modern Medicine
The medical boundaries for AYUSH practitioners
Context: A recent debate over whether AYUSH practitioners (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy) can call themselves “doctors” has reignited a long-standing controversy in India’s healthcare system.
What is the Controversy?
The controversy stems from:
- Demands by AYUSH doctors to prescribe allopathic drugs (e.g., antibiotics).
- Government notifications allowing Ayurvedic postgraduates to perform surgeries (e.g., gallbladder removal).
What Are the AYUSH Medical Systems and Who Are Their Practitioners?
- AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—traditional and alternative medicine systems recognised by the Indian government.
- Practitioners earn degrees like BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery), BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery), or BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery).
What Are the Current Legal Provisions?
- Drugs & Cosmetics Rules (1945): Only “registered medical practitioners” can prescribe modern medicine.
- Mukhtiar Chand vs State of Punjab (1998): The Supreme Court ruled that AYUSH doctors cannot prescribe allopathic drugs unless explicitly permitted.
- 2020 NCISM Act: Replaced the 1970 IMCC Act, allowing Ayurvedic postgraduates to perform 58 surgeries.
- Despite court rulings, many states (e.g., Punjab, Rajasthan) still allow AYUSH doctors to prescribe allopathic drugs.
Should AYUSH Practitioners Be Allowed to Prescribe Modern Medicines or Perform Surgeries?
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Arguments in Favor:
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- Rural healthcare shortage: AYUSH doctors can fill gaps where MBBS doctors are unavailable.
- Integrative medicine: Some believe combining systems improves treatment options.
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Arguments Against:
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- Lack of training: AYUSH curricula focus on traditional concepts, not modern pharmacology or surgery.
- Patient safety risks: Misdiagnosis, antibiotic misuse, and surgical complications can arise.
- False equivalence: MBBS requires 5.5 years of rigorous training, while AYUSH courses include spiritual concepts (e.g., atma, paramatma) alongside basic anatomy.
What Is the Government’s Vision for Integrating AYUSH and Allopathic Practices?
- AYUSH Ministry (2014): Promotes traditional medicine research and integration.
- Ayushman Bharat: Plans to include AYUSH treatments in government insurance schemes.
- Bridge courses: Proposed to train AYUSH doctors in basic allopathy (but opposed by IMA).
