Questions Raised Over Cross-Practice at Sonbhadra AYUSH Hospital as Ayurveda Doctor Allegedly Prescribes Multiple Systems of Medicine
A controversy has emerged at a 50-bed AYUSH Hospital in Lodhi, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, after allegations surfaced that the hospital’s Ayurveda-qualified Medical Superintendent has been prescribing Homoeopathy and Unani medicines alongside Ayurvedic treatment despite holding qualifications only in Ayurveda.
The allegations have sparked concerns over compliance with medical regulations, cross-practice, and patient safety, particularly in cases requiring specialised medical expertise.
Multi-Speciality AYUSH Hospital Under Scrutiny
The 50-bed AYUSH Hospital was established nearly three years ago to strengthen AYUSH healthcare services following the increased recognition of traditional systems of medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital offers treatment through Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, Physiotherapy, and Naturopathy under one roof, with separate doctors, medicines, and infrastructure allocated for each medical discipline.
However, according to reports, instead of referring patients to specialists based on their medical needs, treatment is allegedly being provided from a single consultation chamber using multiple systems of medicine.
Allegations of Simultaneous Prescription of Multiple AYUSH Medicines
Reports claim that patients are being prescribed Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani medicines simultaneously, irrespective of the availability of dedicated specialists for each stream. The alleged practice has raised questions over whether treatment protocols are being followed in accordance with established medical norms.
Medical experts note that each AYUSH discipline follows distinct principles of diagnosis and treatment, making specialised training essential before prescribing medicines belonging to a particular system.
Medical Regulations Restrict Cross-Practice
Under existing medical regulations, practitioners are expected to diagnose and treat patients only within the system of medicine in which they are formally qualified and registered.
While Ayurveda practitioners are permitted to prescribe certain allopathic medicines in specified situations, including emergencies, under applicable legal provisions, prescribing Homoeopathy or Unani medicines without recognised qualifications in those systems falls outside their authorised scope of practice.
Experts Raise Patient Safety Concerns
The allegations have also triggered concerns regarding patient safety, especially for critically ill patients where clinical decision-making requires specialised knowledge and evidence-based treatment.
Healthcare experts caution that combining medicines from different systems of medicine without adequate qualifications, scientific justification, or proper clinical assessment may increase the risk of inappropriate treatment, drug interactions, and adverse health outcomes.
Previous Action Against Cross-Practice
The latest allegations come amid continued scrutiny of cross-practice in the AYUSH sector. Earlier, authorities in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, sealed an Ayurvedic clinic following allegations that it was selling allopathic medicines without the required licence after a complaint prompted an inspection by officials from the AYUSH Department and the local administration.
The Sonbhadra allegations have once again brought attention to the importance of adhering to professional boundaries, regulatory compliance, and patient safety within integrated healthcare institutions.
