Vijayawada: In a major step towards integrating traditional Indian medicine with modern medicine, the state govt has approved permitting qualified Ayurveda doctors to independently perform surgical procedures in Andhra Pradesh.Health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav on Tuesday approved the proposal allowing Ayurveda practitioners, who have postgraduate qualifications in surgical disciplines and undergone prescribed training, to undertake surgeries, in line with existing national regulations.The decision was taken by the govt in accordance with the Indian Medicine Central Council Regulations, 2020, and the guidelines issued by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM). With this approval, Ayurveda doctors holding postgraduate degrees in surgical specialities will be formally recognised and authorised to carry out surgical interventions, according to a release issued by the health minister’s office.Ayurveda doctors will be allowed to perform 58 types of surgical procedures, including 39 under Shalya Tantra (general surgery) and 19 under Shalakya Tantra (ENT and ophthalmology). These surgeries include procedures for infectious conditions, removal of accident-damaged tissues, wound management and suturing, treatment for piles and anal fissures, excision of cysts and tumours, cataract procedures, removal of growths, musculoskeletal surgeries, and skin grafting.Yadav held detailed discussions with state AYUSH wing director K Dinesh Kumar and senior officials on the implementation roadmap. Officials informed him that AP has one govt Ayurveda college in Vijayawada and two private Ayurveda colleges offering various courses.The minister directed that postgraduate courses in Shalya and Shalakya Tantra be introduced immediately at the Dr NRS Govt Ayurveda College, Vijayawada. He also instructed officials to ensure high academic standards by establishing adequately equipped operation theatres and providing necessary surgical instruments.Yadav said the govt will enable practitioners trained in the 2,500-year-old traditions of Shalya and Shalakya Ayurveda to fully utilise their expertise. He noted that the initiative will play a key role in bridging Indian systems of medicine with contemporary medical practices.
