Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav.
Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav has granted approval for Ayurvedic doctors, who have completed postgraduate courses in surgical studies and have proper training, to perform operations independently.
According to a press note from the department on December 23, Tuesday, the decision is a step forward in the direction of integrating Indian traditional medicine with modern treatment methods. The Minister’s approval is in line with the Indian Medicine Central Council (Post Graduate Ayurveda Education) Amendment Regulations of the year 2020 and the guidelines issued by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine.
As per the permission granted by the Minister, Ayurvedic students can now perform 39 Shalya Tantra (general surgery) procedures and 19 Shalakya Tantra (diseases of eye, ear, nose, throat, head, oro-dentistry) procedures.
The 2020 Regulations state that the PG scholar of Shalya and Shalakya shall be practically trained to acquaint with as well as to independently perform specified activities so that after completion of their PG degree, they are able to perform procedures independently.
Some of these surgeries include surgical procedures related to infectious diseases, removal of damaged tissues caused by accidents, treatment of wounds and suturing, treatment for piles and anal fissures, removal of cysts, cataracts, and tumours, muscle-related treatments, and skin grafting procedures.
Later, the Minister held discussions with AYUSH Department Director K. Dinesh Kumar and other officials on the next steps to be taken on this matter. At present, in addition to Dr. NRS Government Ayurvedic College in Vijayawada, there are two private Ayurvedic colleges in the State.
The Minister said postgraduate courses in Shalya Tantra and Shalakya Tantra should be introduced immediately at the Vijayawada Ayurvedic college, and that appropriate measures be taken to provide quality education.
The Minister also suggested that the necessary operation theatres and surgical equipment be provided in adequate quantities for these courses. He later expressed happiness that the decision to permit the students to perform surgeries has been taken, as he hoped it will integrate ancient Indian medical practices with the modern methods.
Published – December 23, 2025 06:48 pm IST