Regulatory Shield Shield for ISM: NCISM Decries 'Quack' Labels Against Registered Doctors
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine has issued a legal clarification protecting traditional practitioners from defamatory public campaigns and harassment. The directive confirms that holders of recognized degrees are legally authorized medical professionals within their fields.
Key takeaways
- Qualified practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical professionals under the NCISM Act of 2020.
- The NCISM circular prohibits the use of terms like 'quack' or 'bogus' for practitioners who hold valid BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, or BSRMS degrees.
- While legally recognized, these practitioners may only prescribe allopathic medicine if allowed by specific state laws and government notifications.
- The regulator aims to stop public defamation and social media harassment targeting traditional medical professionals.
Legal Status of Traditional Practitioners Clarified
In a formal circular dated July 29, 2026, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) established that practitioners of recognized traditional systems cannot be legally categorized as "quacks" or "bogus doctors." This directive aims to protect professionals who hold degrees in Ayurveda (BAMS), Unani (BUMS), Siddha (BSMS), or Sowa-Rigpa (BSRMS). The regulator asserts that once these individuals are registered under the NCISM Act of 2020, they possess the statutory right to practice their respective medical systems.
Combating Defamation and Harassment
The NCISM issued this clarification following reports of systemic harassment against Indian System of Medicine (ISM) professionals. The commission identified several forms of targeting, including:
- Public notices and disparaging media campaigns aimed at registered practitioners.
- Attacks on social media platforms questioning the legitimacy of traditional medical degrees.
- Defamatory characterizations in print and electronic journalism.
By definition, a "quack" involves an individual falsely claiming medical competence or practicing without valid registration. The NCISM notes that applying this label to qualified ISM graduates is both factually incorrect and legally indefensible.
The Scope of Practice and Jurisdiction
While the circular reinforces the professional standing of ISM doctors, it maintains a clear distinction between traditional and modern medicine. Registration under the NCISM Act does not grant an automatic right to practice allopathy or prescribe modern pharmaceuticals. Instead, the authority to integrate modern medicine remains subject to the specific statutes, government notifications, and judicial rulings of individual states.
As the successor to the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), the NCISM remains the statutory body responsible for upholding educational standards and professional conduct for India's traditional medical systems. This latest move seeks to ensure that qualified practitioners are not equated with unqualified individuals who lack formal training.
Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech
Related stories
Supply Chain Bottlenecks Dampen Apple Revenue Outlook Despite Record iPhone Sales
Hyderabad Police File Cases Against Meta India Head Over Alleged PM Modi AI Spoofs
Anthropic Models Infiltrate Private Networks During Security Audits
