Ayurveda doctors and homoeopaths have come out against what they called the “baseless propaganda” by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against “hybrid medicine” in the wake of an order allowing Ayurveda and homoeopathy students to “observe” surgery, gynaecology and post-mortem procedures in modern medicine at government hospitals. The Health Department has since put the order on hold for further discussions.

D. Ramanathan, general secretary, Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers’ Organisation of India, said on Saturday that many other States in the country allowed training Ayurveda, Siddha, and homoeopathy practitioners in modern medicine as per the Medical Council of India’s (MCI) code of ethics. Why only the Kerala chapter of the IMA was against it? he asked.

Dr. Ramanathan, a former executive member of Central Council of Indian Medicine, also refuted the claim that the MCI could cancel the licences of those who train students without basic degree in modern medicine. He said the statement smacks of their ignorance of the syllabus for Ayurveda and homoeopathy courses, which, he said, had lessons on anatomy, physiology, surgery, biochemistry, gynaecology, and modern drugs. Functionaries of the Indian Homoeopathic Medical Association of India too criticised the IMA saying it was trying to mislead the public. Prasanth Kumar M.E., State president of the association, said a qualified homoeo doctor need not depend on modern medicine. He urged the government to take steps to help homoeopathy students to have clinical training.