Indian Medical Association Slams Proposed Integration of MBBS With Ayurvedic Medicine Course

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has slammed the proposed introduction of a course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) programmes at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry.

The IMA on Friday (May 30) condemned the move and termed it unfortunate. It said that this “unscientific mixing of various systems of medicines will not benefit doctors or patients”, reported The Hindu.

“It is unfortunate that the Union government seems to have decided to go ahead with its plans to unscientifically mix systems of medicine. Reports indicate that the first integrative course mixing MBBS and BAMS would be started in the premier institution of JIPMER, Pondicherry,” the IMA said in a statement.

Earlier, the Union government had announced its plans to integrate modern and Ayurvedic medicine under one academic curriculum.

“Let all systems retain their pristine purity. Refrain from producing hybrid doctors who will be only qualified quacks. Indian doctors are the backbone of medical services in several western countries. IMA fails to see any compelling reason or logic in the ill-advised government move,” said the IMA, criticising the move to integrate the two courses.

“Having failed to convince the government, IMA has no option but to take the people into confidence. IMA appeals to the nation to resist this indiscretion for the health of future generations,’’ the IMA statement added.

It also cited the example of China and said that a move to mix modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicines had failed in the country.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.