IMA Raises Concerns Regarding Andhra Pradesh Government’s approval on Ayurveda Surgeries

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced grave worries about patient safety. In response to the Andhra Pradesh Government’s approval of a major policy shift that permits licensed ayurvedic physicians to undertake some surgical Procedures independently

Health Minister Satya Kumar announced the decision. The decision states that the goal is to combine modern medical procedures with traditional Indian treatment. The policy permits Ayurvedic practitioners with post graduate degree in surgical fields to perform certain treatments in accordance with the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) recommendations and the Indian Medicine Central Council regulations, 2020.

The government states that qualified positions can indeed undertake nine procedures under Shalakya Tantra, which encompasses interventions pertaining to ENT and ophthalmology, and 39 treatments under Shalya Tantra (General Surgery). These, however, include treating infectious diseases, removing accidentally injured tissue, managing and suturing wounds, treating piles and anal fissures, removing cysts, cataract and tonsil surgeries, muscle-related treatments, and skin grafting.

IMA Raises Concerns

Dr Dilip P. Bhanushali, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), was not pleased with the decision. It was indeed made in accordance with the guidelines of the National Commission for Indian systems of medicine and the Indian Medicine Central Council, 2020.

The president of IMA expressed disapproval. They said that the organisation is unquestionably against the ruling and that it’s not because they don’t appreciate homeopathy or Ayurveda, but rather because they have their own science.

“But we want Ayurvedic to be promoted in its original and pure form,” he said. “Why should it be combined with contemporary medicine?… In addition to causing several issues for patients, this would be a grave mistake. We shall present our objections and submit our memorandum,” he added.

He went on to say, “This is going to cause a lot of problems. Not only to the patients, but it’s a real blunder to do that.”

What was stated in the order?

According to reports, an order permitting skilled postgraduate ayurvedic physicians to do surgery on their own was granted. It was granted by Andhra Pradesh’s health Minister, Satya Kumar Yadav. The administration decided to combine the old medical system with the new one. This allows qualified ayurvedic positions to Undertaker 19% of ENT (ear, nose, and throat). And also ophthalmological procedures and 39% of general surgical procedures.