---
title: "NCISM Issues Direct Warning Against Labeling Registered AYUSH Practitioners as Quacks"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ncism-issues-direct-warning-against-labeling-registered-ayush-practitioners-as-q-5x293
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Technology
published: 2026-07-30T13:43:18.000Z
modified: 2026-07-30T15:12:16.161Z
language: en-IN
---

# NCISM Issues Direct Warning Against Labeling Registered AYUSH Practitioners as Quacks

A new circular from the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine defends the legal status of AYUSH graduates against public defamation. The commission asserts that practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa hold protected professional rights.

## Key takeaways

- Registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical professionals under the NCISM Act, 2020.
- The NCISM circular dated July 29, 2026, warns that labeling these professionals as quacks or bogus doctors may infringe on their constitutional rights.
- India's current doctor-to-population ratio is 1:811 when including the 7.52 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners in the national workforce data.

## Legal Protections and Professional Recognition

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has formally intervened to protect the professional reputation of practitioners within the Indian System of Medicine. In a circular dated July 29, 2026, the commission clarified that graduates of Ayurveda (BAMS), Unani (BUMS), Siddha (BSMS), and Sowa-Rigpa (BSRMS) hold the status of legally recognized medical practitioners under the NCISM Act, 2020. This directive serves as a reminder that those registered with State Councils under the NCISM Act or the earlier Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) Act, 1970, are entitled to practice within the scope of their training.

## Rising Harassment and Defamation Concerns

The commission’s statement follows reports of institutional harassment and character assassination directed at trained AYUSH professionals. The NCISM noted that these practitioners have been unfairly targeted across social media, print news, and electronic platforms through derogatory labels. According to the regulator, publicly branding these registered professionals as "quacks" or "bogus doctors" may constitute a direct infringement on their constitutional and professional rights. The commission cautioned that individuals or media organizations engaging in such rhetoric are acting in opposition to federal law.

## The Healthcare Workforce Context

While tensions regarding "cross-pathy" often lead to friction between allopathic and AYUSH associations, the Indian government maintains that AYUSH graduates are a central component of the national healthcare workforce. Current data reveals the scale of this integrated healthcare approach: - India has roughly 13.86 lakh registered allopathic doctors. - There are 7.52 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners across the country. - With an estimated 80% availability rate, the government reports a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:811. By including AYUSH professionals in these metrics, India exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000. The NCISM circular emphasizes that as long as these practitioners remain within their legally permitted scope of practice, they are entitled to the same professional respect as any other healthcare professional.

Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ncism-issues-direct-warning-against-labeling-registered-ayush-practitioners-as-q-5x293
Reported from: The Hindu — Sci-Tech