IMA slams nod for Ayurvedic doctors to perform surgeries

The Andhra Pradesh branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the State government’s decision to allow trained Ayurvedic doctors to independently perform certain surgical procedures, warning that the move could seriously compromise patient safety.

In a press statement, the IMA said surgery requires rigorous, structured and supervised training that is imparted only through MBBS and postgraduate programmes such as MS and MCh, which are regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Any dilution of these standards, the association said, would put patients at risk.

“The decision to allow Ayurvedic practitioners with postgraduate qualifications in surgical disciplines to carry out select surgeries is not in the best interest of patients,” said the IMA. “Surgery is not merely a technical procedure but a complex medical discipline requiring in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, anaesthesia, perioperative critical care and complication management.”

The IMA highlighted that the issue of allowing practitioners of Indian systems of medicine to perform surgeries is currently pending before the Supreme Court, with the case listed for hearing on January 8, 2026. The association urged the Health Minister to withdraw the statements and avoid making policy commitments that conflict with existing laws and ongoing court proceedings.

The court had directed the government to file a counter affidavit on the issue, and the matter is being closely watched by the medical fraternity.

The IMA warned that if the issue is not addressed immediately, it would be forced to pursue appropriate democratic and legal remedies at the State and national levels.