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The recent remark of Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH that the government is planning to introduce a new integrated medical course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), has sparked a controversy with Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly opposing the move.

The minister said it is still at a conceptual stage and the syllabus is yet to be framed. He made the statement after a meeting at JIPMER in Puducherry over a week ago.

The allopathic doctors have vehemently objected to the move terming it as ill-advised. IMA in a press release slammed the move saying it could adversely impact patient care and the quality of medical education. By pointing out the fundamental difference between the evidence-based scientific nature of modern medicine and the traditional, philosophical foundation of ayurveda, IMA said the integrated course may imperil the global recognition of MBBS qualification and compromise patient safety by creating hybrid doctors. Additionally, it could increase the burden on the medical institutions and students.

However, reports suggest that homeopathy and ayurveda doctors have welcomed the move citing examples of several global medical institutions encouraging integrated and holistic medical learning and practice.  

It remains to be seen how the government will handle the issue in the face of objection voiced by the allopathic practitioners.

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