The Indian Medical Association has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to allow trained postgraduate Ayurvedic doctors to independently perform select surgical procedures, calling the move “disturbing” and a “serious blunder” that could compromise patient safety.
Reacting sharply to the order approved by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, IMA president Dr Dilip Bhanushali said the association has been opposing what it terms “Mixopathy” for over a decade. “We respect Ayurveda and Homoeopathy they have their own science and systems. But why mix them with modern medicine?” he said, adding that Ayurveda should be promoted “in its original and pure form”.
According to the government order, postgraduate Ayurvedic doctors who have undergone prescribed surgical training will be permitted to independently carry out certain procedures. These include 39 general surgical procedures and 19 related to ENT and ophthalmology, such as wound suturing, treatment of piles and fissures, skin grafting and select minor operations. The decision is in line with the Indian Medicine Central Council (Postgraduate Ayurveda Education) Amendment Regulations, 2020, and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine.
However, the IMA has warned that allowing Ayurvedic practitioners to perform surgeries traditionally handled by modern medicine specialists could “create problems for patients”. Dr Bhanushali said the notification was “really disturbing” and announced that the association would submit a formal memorandum raising objections. He added that the issue would be a key agenda item at the 100th All India Medical Conference scheduled for December 27–28 in Ahmedabad.
The Andhra Pradesh government has defended its move, stating that the decision aims to integrate traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern healthcare practices and address workforce gaps, particularly in rural areas. Following the approval, the health minister directed officials to expand postgraduate programmes in Shalya Tantra and Shalakya Tantra at the Dr NRS Government Ayurvedic College in Vijayawada and ensure adequate infrastructure, including operation theatres and surgical equipment.
Medical associations, including the IMA, have consistently countered the Centre’s 2020 guidelines on similar grounds, arguing that healthcare shortages stem from unfilled vacancies rather than a lack of qualified systems, and that surgical practice demands rigorous, system-specific training and infrastructure.
The IMA has previously criticised what it describes as the “unscientific mixing” of different medical systems, including opposing proposed integrative courses combining BAMS and MBBS. With Andhra Pradesh moving ahead under existing regulations, the association has reiterated its demand for a clear separation of medical systems, warning that blending them could undermine both patient safety and professional standards.
