The National Council of State Health Ministers (NCSIM) issued an order stating that qualified AYUSH doctors cannot be labeled as ‘quacks’ [1].
This directive establishes a legal shield for practitioners of traditional medicine in India. By formalizing the status of these doctors, the council aims to integrate traditional practices more securely into the broader healthcare framework while preventing the professional degradation of certified providers.
AYUSH refers to a group of traditional and complementary medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa. The NCSIM order focuses on ensuring that those who have earned legitimate qualifications in these fields are not dismissed as unqualified practitioners, a common point of contention in India's complex medical landscape [1].
According to the council, the order is intended to "prevent misrepresentation" [1]. The move is part of a larger effort toward "ensuring legal protection and recognition for traditional medicine practitioners" [1]. By explicitly forbidding the term 'quack' when applied to qualified AYUSH professionals, the government seeks to reduce stigma and protect the dignity of the profession [1].
The council said that qualified AYUSH doctors cannot be labeled as 'quacks' [1]. This clarification serves as a guideline for health administrators and legal bodies when distinguishing between certified traditional practitioners and those operating without any formal training or accreditation [1].
Traditional medicine has long played a significant role in Indian society, but the boundary between certified practice and unregulated care has often been blurred. This order creates a clearer distinction, providing a regulatory basis for the recognition of AYUSH degrees and certifications across different states [1].
“"qualified AYUSH doctors can't be labeled as 'quacks'"”
This order signals a strategic shift by the Indian government to elevate the legitimacy of traditional medicine to a status closer to that of allopathic medicine. By legally prohibiting the term 'quack' for certified practitioners, the NCSIM is attempting to standardize the professional identity of AYUSH doctors, which may reduce friction between traditional and modern medical communities while strengthening the legal standing of integrated healthcare systems.
