Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Government’s decision to allow approved postgraduate Ayurvedic doctors to independently perform certain surgical procedures has drawn strong condemnation from the medical community. The Andhra Pradesh branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has warned that the move is misleading and poses serious risks to patient safety.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav recently approved the decision to integrate Ayurveda with modern medical practices. The permission aligns with the Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) guidelines of 2020 and the norms laid down by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM). The state allowed Ayurvedic doctors to perform 58 procedures under Shalya Tantra (general surgery) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT, eye, and dental surgeries).
Under Shalya Tantra, Ayurvedic doctors can conduct procedures including wound debridement, abscess drainage, hernia and hydrocele surgeries, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colostomy, circumcision, and trauma care. Under Shalakya Tantra, permitted procedures include cataract and glaucoma surgeries, septoplasty, tonsillectomy, eyelid corrections, cleft lip repair, and dental extractions.
IMA AP branch argued that surgery requires structured, supervised, and extensive training provided only through MBBS and MS/MCh curricula under the National Medical Commission (NMC). The association warned that cross-practice without equivalent training is neither evidence-based nor ethically justified, and could compromise patient safety and trust in healthcare.
The association emphasised that surgery is a complex discipline involving anatomy, physiology, pathology, perioperative care, anaesthesia, and complication management—skills not imparted in Ayurveda training. Additionally, the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court, with hearings scheduled for January 8, 2026. IMA noted that policy statements by the state on this issue are legally untenable.
Dr. Rohan Krishnan, Chief Patron of FAIMA Doctors Association, called the decision “absolutely bizarre,” stating that surgical competency cannot be borrowed through government notifications and that inadequate training risks life-threatening complications. Dr. Indranil Deshmukh, IMA National Secretary, stressed that structured training and supervised exposure are indispensable for safe surgical practice.
IMA has urged the Andhra Pradesh Government to withdraw its policy announcements and consult recognized medical bodies before implementing such measures. The association recommended strengthening healthcare infrastructure by increasing seats, training, and opportunities in modern medicine rather than diluting surgical standards.
The IMA reinforced that while Ayurveda plays an important role in preventive and promotive healthcare, patient safety must remain the foremost priority. The association warned that failure to heed these concerns may compel it to pursue legal and democratic remedies at both state and national levels.
