NCISM clarifies ISM practitioners are not 'quacks', affirms legal recognition
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) issued a circular clarifying that qualified and registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical practitioners and cannot be termed "quacks." The clarification was issued due to reports of ISM practitioners being targeted and harassed. NCISM emphasized the distinction between qualified ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals falsely claiming to practice medicine. It also clarified that legal recognition as an ISM practitioner does not automatically grant authority to practice modern (allopathic) medicine, which depends on state laws and court rulings.
Key Points
- NCISM clarified that qualified and registered ISM practitioners are legally recognized and not "quacks."
- The clarification was prompted by reports of harassment against ISM practitioners.
- It distinguishes between legitimate ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals.
- Legal recognition for ISM practitioners does not automatically extend to practicing modern (allopathic) medicine.
- The authority to practice allopathic medicine depends on specific state laws and court rulings.
Exam Facts
- Regulatory body: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
- Act: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.
- Systems of medicine: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa.
- Supreme Court cases cited: Poonam Verma v. Ashwin Patel (1996), Dr. Mukhtiar Chand & Others v. State of Punjab (1998).
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