Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that originated more than 5000 years ago. However, the use of Ayurveda as an alternative medicine has been gaining popularity all over India.
Other indigenous systems of medicine like Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Yoga are also contributing to the Indian healthcare system. The indigenous health systems combine to make the government body of AYUSH. AYUSH encapsulates Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems of medicine.
AYUSH practitioners have studied allopathy or modern medicine in their curriculum. They have also learned and practiced allopathy during their one-year mandatory internship. The Government of India has, therefore, decided to use this availability and allow AYUSH practitioners to practice allopathic medicine.
However, with that comes some ethical ramifications. It is pretty much a tug-of-war between the Indian Medical Association and the Government of India.
India has always had a weak doctor-to-patient ratio. India has always lacked doctors to serve its ever-growing population. According to the 15th Finance Commission in 2021, the doctor-population ratio had worsened to 1:1511. The ratio was against the WHO norm of 1:1000. However, after adding 5,65,000 AYUSH doctors along with the existing allopathic doctors (assuming 80% availability of the registered ones), the doctor-population ratio has increased to a healthy 1:834. The ratio easily meets the WHO norms. Ayurvedic doctors are allowed to practice allopathy in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamilnadu, Punjab, Bihar, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Another huge change was incorporated accordingly to an amendment as many as 58 surgical procedures were allowed to be conducted by postgraduate students of Ayurveda after a bridge course. This move was allowed for Surgery, ENT, and Ophthalmology postgraduate students of Ayurveda. The move was not well received by the IMA.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has always maintained a strong stance on AYUSH practitioners not practicing modern medicine.
According to Section 15 of the Indian Medical Council Act 1956, only a medical practitioner enrolled on a state medical register shall practice medicine.
The states of Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, and Union territories of Diu & Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are against the idea of AYUSH doctors practicing modern medicine.
IMA has aggressively opposed the idea of a bridge course as well. They believe this will promote 'mixopathy,' leading to many uncivil and foul activities in the Indian healthcare system.
Let's see what some of the healthcare professionals had to say when asked by MedBound Times about this issue.
"I personally think that Ayurvedic doctors should be allowed to practice modern medicine. Even if you go through the curriculum of a first-year BAMS student, you will find that a first-year student reads the same Anatomy and Physiology, from the same books as that an MBBS student. Even if you consider standard modern medicine books like B.D. Chaurasia and Davidson's, a BAMS student has to read them. The demand of the curriculum might not be as extensive as that of an MBBS student, but an Ayurvedic doctor should have the right to practice modern medicine."
Dr. Vaishnavi (B.A.M.S, MD), currently practicing in Mumbai.
"I do not think that Ayurvedic doctors should be allowed to practice modern medicine. However, it applies the same vice versa as well. I have seen many allopathic doctors prescribe Ayurvedic medicines as well. I believe it is equally wrong to do so. An allopathic doctor should not have the right to prescribe an Ayurvedic medicine as well."
Dr. Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST), Medical Director at MedBound.
"The 'S' in B.A.M.S stands for Surgery. Therefore, if the course's name itself has the word Surgery, then why are Ayurvedic doctors not allowed to practice Surgery? With proper exposure and cases, I believe a Surgery, ENT, or ophthalmology Ayurveda postgraduate student can perform surgery. A surgery called rhinoplasty which is done on the nose is carried out in the same way as mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures years ago. Similarly, an Ayurvedic doctor is knowledgeable enough to practice modern medicine."
Dr. Nilesh (B.A.M.S, MD) is currently practicing in Thane.
"Ayurveda has been a field that has always been associated with misconceptions. Be it because of the roadside quacks, be it certain Babas, or be it certain practitioners lacking the skills. However, a field should not be invalidated due to a particular group of people. Ayurvedic doctors should be allowed to practice modern medicine. Even though I personally do not practice modern medicine, a lot of my colleagues and friends do. They have allopathic clinics and even hospitals and are serving mankind."
Dr. Vinay (B.A.M.S), currently practicing in Mumbai.
"I believe under certain norms and regulations, Ayurvedic doctors should be allowed to practice modern medicine. However, despite being an Ayurvedic doctor, I am against the concept of Ayurvedic doctors being allowed to perform surgeries. I think we should let the MBBS doctors take care of that."
Dr. Pritish Naik (BAMS) practicing in Nashik, Maharashtra.
"I have no issue with Ayurvedic doctors practicing modern medicine. However, to allow AYUSH doctors to perform surgeries is outrageous. Some surgeries allowed to perform by the AYUSH doctors are extremely intricate. The list includes a surgery called Mastoidectomy. A small error can cause damage to the facial nerve leading to paralysis. As per increasing the workforce is concerned, we can just increase the number of Surgery PG seats for MBBS students or build more government colleges."
Dr. Aarti (MBBS), second-year MD Radiology student in Bangalore.
"I am strictly against mixing the different schools of medicine. I have seen and read horrendous cases where AYUSH doctors have caused severe damage to the patient even leading to something as serious as amputation. I strongly suggest doctors practice their medicines."
Dr. Shivendu (MBBS, MD), currently practicing in Bangalore.
"We, Ayurvedic doctors are privileged to practice the ancient system of medicine, apply the wisdom of Ayurveda, and help people live with Healthy lifestyle. To level up our system of medicine globally, Ayurvedic doctors need to propagate and uplift the traditional system of medicine."
Keerti Narayan (B.A.M.S), currently working as a Medical Content Writing Intern at MedBound Times.
"I think Ayurvedic and AYUSH doctors should have the right to practice modern medicine. We have even consulted government bodies like NITI Ayog and they are with us."
Ronak Patel, a BAMS student and head of a student committee.
MedBound Times also asked people from the non-medical professions for their opinion on the issue.
Mrs. Savita Patil, Retired Engineer
I think Ayurvedic doctors can practice modern medicine. I have a hobby of singing and I go to an Ayurvedic doctor who prescribes me both Ayurvedic and modern medicine to soothe my throat.
Mr. Dabholkar, Assistant Manager at a Firm
Ayurveda is usually considered to be slow but it does not have any side effects. So in my opinion it is good if Ayurvedic doctors are made to practice modern medicine.
Mr. Mhatre, Operations Manager at a Corporate Firm
Ayurveda is already filled with bogus quacks. I think Ayurveda doctors should stick to Ayurveda itself and work with big companies.
