The Indian Medical Association opposed the decision, stating that it blurred the distinction between Ayurveda and modern medicine.
Published Dec 24, 2025 | 7:36 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 24, 2025 | 7:36 PM
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh government has approved 58 surgical procedures covering general surgery, ENT and ophthalmology that can be independently performed by Ayurveda practitioners who meet specified qualifications. The Indian Medical Association has opposed the decision, warning that could compromise patient safety and blur the line between traditional medicine and modern medical practice.
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved 58 surgical procedures that can be performed independently by Ayurveda practitioners who have completed postgraduate training in surgical disciplines, along with the prescribed clinical exposure.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the decision, warning that it could compromise patient safety.
The approved procedures cover general surgery, ENT and ophthalmology, and are permitted under existing central regulations. Health and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav cleared the proposal on Tuesday, 23 December.
The approval follows provisions under the Indian Medicine Central Council Regulations, 2020, and guidelines issued by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine. It applies to Ayurveda practitioners who meet the specified eligibility criteria.
The approved procedures are categorised under Shalya Tantra, which covers general surgery, and Shalakya Tantra, which includes ENT and ophthalmology.
Under Shalya Tantra, Ayurveda doctors are permitted to perform 39 general surgical procedures. These include wound debridement, abscess drainage, skin grafting, suturing, and the treatment of piles, fissures and fistulae. The list also covers hernia and hydrocele surgeries, urological procedures such as circumcision and cystolithotomy, trauma care including the reduction of fractures and dislocations, and abdominal emergencies such as appendicectomy, cholecystectomy and colostomy.
Under Shalakya Tantra, 19 ENT, eye and dental procedures are permitted. These include cataract and glaucoma surgeries, correction of eyelid and lacrimal disorders, septoplasty, nasal polyp removal, ear lobe repair, tonsillectomy, tooth extraction and cleft lip repair.
The IMA opposed the decision, stating that it blurred the distinction between Ayurveda, other indigenous systems of medicine, and modern medicine.
“We are opposing the government on this issue. Unfortunately, the government is pushing this AYUSH proposal, and the Indian Medical Association is completely against it. We have been fighting this for many years now,” said Dr Dilip Bhanushali, president of the IMA, told South First.
“We are not against Ayurveda, homeopathy, or Siddha. Ayurveda has existed for thousands of years, but we are asking the government to keep Ayurveda in its pure form. Why mix it with surgery? Surgery is not a simple skill. It takes nearly 10 years for a doctor to learn surgery properly.”
Dr Bhanushali described the move as “quackery” and noted that similar practices have been implemented in Uttar Pradesh for the past two years. He added that the IMA had previously objected to developments at JIPMER in Puducherry.
“We have written multiple times to the Prime Minister and to the Health Minister, but there has been no response. The government continues to push this despite our objections,” he said.
Minister Yadav said the move aligns Indian systems of medicine with regulated surgical practice and training frameworks. He noted that although the Centre notified the relevant rules in 2000, earlier State governments did not take follow-up action, affecting the utilisation of AYUSH services.
The Minister reviewed implementation measures with officials from the AYUSH department, including Director K Dinesh Kumar. Officials informed him that Andhra Pradesh currently has the Dr NRS Government Ayurveda College in Vijayawada and two private Ayurveda colleges offering postgraduate programmes.
The Minister directed the immediate introduction of postgraduate courses in Shalya Tantra and Shalakya Tantra at the Government Ayurveda College in Vijayawada. He also instructed officials to equip the institution with operation theatres and surgical infrastructure that meet regulatory standards.
The Minister said the decision would enable Ayurveda doctors trained in surgical disciplines to practise within a defined legal and academic framework.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
