IMA Kerala flags concern over mixopathy in 2026 election manifestos
Mixopathy
Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) unit in Kerala has raised concerns after some political parties reportedly included support for “mixopathy” in their manifestos ahead of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
The association said that endorsing mixopathy contradicts the spirit of World Health Day 2026, which is being observed under the theme “Unite for Health, Stand with Science.” According to the IMA, the theme emphasises the importance of scientific evidence and evidence-based medical practice in healthcare. The IMA noted that while World Health Day highlights the need for science-based treatment approaches, the promotion of mixopathy runs counter to this message.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. N. Sulphi, the convener of the Indian Medical Association’s national action committee and the former president of IMA Kerala, stated, “It takes years of research and clinical trials to decide on any form of modern medication. There are some standards that the doctors should follow to ensure patient safety and treatment. Mixing modern medication techniques with Ayush and traditional medicine is highly risky and compromises patient safety. In China, some people are also mixing traditional Acupuncture with modern medicines, but such experiments never bear good outcomes.”
The doctor also pointed out that Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution places importance on developing a scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry in every human being. Hence, promoting mixopathy does not support the spirit of the Constitution. Applying two systems of medicine without any scientific explanation is dangerous. Before making any policy decision or making any comment on a political manifesto, one must first determine if that is in the best interest of the patient.
“One must protect scientific integrity in healthcare. I am not against promoting traditional means of treatment like Ayush. However, it must not be mixed with allopathy. Both mediums of treatment could not be more different, and mixing them, without any scientific proof of their efficiency, is too much of a risk. The IMA will stand against any such step that occurs without scientific evidence and compromises patient safety. Using such phrases in a political party’s manifesto is shocking,” Dr. N. Sulphi further stated.
