Jharkhand MSN opposes integration of Ayurveda into MBBS curriculum

SUBHASH MISHRA

Dhanbad, May 31: The Jharkhand chapter of the Indian Medical Association’s Medical Students Network (MSN) has strongly opposed the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) proposal to integrate Ayurveda into the MBBS curriculum.

In a joint statement, MSN Jharkhand Chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar and Convener Dr. Aman Kumar Singh said the MBBS course is based on evidence-based medicine (EBM), grounded in clinical trials, research, and scientific reasoning. Introducing traditional systems like Ayurveda into the curriculum, they argued, is scientifically unjustified and could pose professional risks.

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Call to Keep Modern Medicine Distinct from Traditional Systems

“We fully respect the cultural and historical importance of Ayurveda,” the doctors stated, “but modern medicine is a scientific, evidence-based discipline that must remain distinct.”

The MSN leaders expressed concern over blending two fundamentally different medical systems, warning it could compromise the rigor and clarity of allopathic training.

Concerns Over Patient Safety and Academic Burden

The student body highlighted that the NMC is reportedly working with the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, to consider the integration of Ayurveda into the MBBS course.

MSN leaders warned that such a move would dilute the scientific foundation of medical education, create confusion during emergency clinical decisions, and potentially jeopardize patient safety and treatment outcomes.

They also emphasized that the merger could harm the credibility of the Indian MBBS degree and place an additional burden on students already tackling 19 subjects over 5.5 years.

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Appeal to Govt and Medical Authorities

MSN further stressed that while traditional systems like Ayurveda should be promoted, this should be done through separate educational and research platforms. “Merging Ayurveda into the MBBS curriculum amounts to ideological interference in science-based education,” they said.

The statement concluded with an appeal to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the NMC, and all relevant authorities to immediately withdraw the proposal to safeguard the identity, integrity, and standards of modern medical education in India.