‘Misleading and unscientific,’ says IMA in response to Minister’s nod for Ayurvedic doctors to perform surgeries

Key Points

1. Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Health approved Ayurvedic doctors to perform surgeries independently.
2. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly condemned this move.
3. The Minister's approval was given on December 23, 2025.
4. The IMA argues that surgical procedures require extensive training provided through MBBS and MS/MCh curricula.
5. The issue of permitting Indian medicine practitioners to perform surgeries is sub judice before the Supreme Court.
6. The case is listed for hearing on January 8, 2026.
7. The IMA has requested the Minister to withdraw the statements and policy commitments.