India's medical systems clash over who can operate

Doctors alarmed by govt allowing Ayurvedic practitioners to be trained to perform surgery

A Covid-19 patient being treated at Max Hospital in New Delhi. Public health experts in India are concerned about differing messages from practitioners of modern and Ayurvedic medicine amid the pandemic.
A Covid-19 patient being treated at Max Hospital in New Delhi. Public health experts in India are concerned about differing messages from practitioners of modern and Ayurvedic medicine amid the pandemic. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

The Indian government on Nov 19 authorised practitioners of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, to be trained to perform some surgical procedures.

The move has alarmed doctors practising modern medicine and many among the public.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 27, 2020, with the headline India's medical systems clash over who can operate. Subscribe