In a significant move toward integrating traditional and modern medical systems, the Union Government is planning to introduce India’s first combined MBBS and BAMS program at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH (Independent Charge), Prataprao Jadhav, recently announced that the integrated course is currently in the planning stage, with work underway to create a new curriculum.
In 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) made it mandatory for all medical institutions to establish a “Department of Integrative Medicine Research.”
Further, in 2023, the NMC outlined new goals for the MBBS foundation course, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to alternative health systems, such as AYUSH, and the history of medicine. The revised MBBS curriculum also listed electives related to the Indian System of Medicine.
These steps have sparked criticism from some sections of the medical community, who have raised concerns over “mixopathy” the blending of different medical systems. Critics argue that such integration could dilute the distinctiveness of allopathic medicine, warning that India may end up producing “hybrid doctors” by 2030.
Despite the controversy, plans for integration are progressing. Speaking to The New Indian Express during the inauguration of the upgraded Emergency and Trauma Care Centre at JIPMER, Minister Jadhav confirmed the government’s intention to roll out a new medical course that combines MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) with BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery). He reiterated that the course is still being conceptualized and that curriculum development is ongoing.
As part of its institutional growth, JIPMER has also started building a 470-bed hospital at its Karaikal campus. Outpatient services are scheduled to begin by January 2027, with full completion expected by June of the same year, according to the institute’s Director.
Alongside academic initiatives, Minister Jadhav also addressed regional healthcare development. He noted that the Puducherry government’s proposal to establish a new medical college is currently under consideration and a decision will be made soon.
