Kerala Government's Proposal for Traditional Medicine Commission Draws Controversy
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s decision to set up a National and Traditional Medicine Commission and Institute has stirred controversy, particularly among Ayurvedic practitioners and organizations.
The move, which comes seven years after the Supreme Court banned traditional medicine treatment without proper qualifications and registration, has led to strong opposition from the Ayurvedic sector.
The state government has allocated Rs 1 crore in the budget for the proposed commission, aiming to navigate the legal hurdles surrounding traditional medicine practices. However, Ayurvedic organizations have expressed deep concerns, warning that the decision could significantly impact Ayurvedic tourism and the careers of thousands of doctors and students across the state’s 18 Ayurvedic medical colleges. They have vowed to launch protests and take legal action if the plan proceeds, reports the Daily.
The Supreme Court ruling of 2018, which upheld an earlier Kerala High Court order from 2003, clearly stated that only individuals who have completed recognized scientific studies in accredited institutions can be granted registration to practice medicine. The Central Medical Council of India Act (1970) further reinforces this regulation, allowing only those with formal medical education to work as doctors.
According to Kerala Koumudi, critics argued that the government’s proposal contradicts its previous initiatives in Ayurveda, particularly the substantial investment made in the International Research Centre for Ayurveda in Kannur. At the same time, the Ayurvedic Education Department has been running a project on indigenous and traditional medicine under the banner of ‘The Traditional Knowledge Innovation Kerala, ’ raising questions about the state’s stance on medical regulations.
Rajya Sabha, in 2020, has already passed two bills that seek to provide for the quality medical education system in homeopathy and promote Indian systems of medicine. The National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 and the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019, were passed in the Upper House by voice vote. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and provides for a medical education system to ensure the availability of quality medical professionals of the Indian System of Medicine.
