IHMA Raises Objections to Kerala Exclusive AYUSH University

The Kerala Government proposal to establish an independent AYUSH University bringing together Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine has come under criticism from the Indian Homoeopathic Medical Association (IHMA), which has urged the government to reconsider the move and hold wider consultations with stakeholders.

The government recently initiated steps towards establishing an independent AYUSH University with the objective of providing a coordinated framework for education, research, clinical studies and drug development across the AYUSH sector. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening AYUSH education, research and healthcare in the state.

However, the IHMA has expressed its disagreement with the proposal, alleging that the decision was taken without adequate consultation with the concerned stakeholders. The association has raised concerns that a common university structure could have implications for the specialised academic, research and clinical requirements of individual AYUSH systems, particularly Homoeopathy.

According to the association, each AYUSH system has its own distinct principles, curriculum, regulatory framework, teaching methodology and research priorities. Any restructuring of higher education therefore needs to take these differences into consideration rather than adopting a uniform approach for all systems.

IHMA has also stressed the need to examine the possible impact of the proposed university on existing AYUSH educational institutions, postgraduate education, doctoral programmes, research activities and clinical services. The association has called for discussions involving representatives of the respective medical systems, teaching institutions, professional organisations and other relevant stakeholders before any final decision is taken.

The idea of establishing an AYUSH University in Kerala is not entirely new. The Kerala AYUSH Health Policy 2016 had already envisaged an AYUSH University to enhance the quality of AYUSH education in the state. The latest government initiative has now brought the proposal back into focus.

While the government sees the proposed university as an opportunity to create a stronger institutional platform for AYUSH education, research and healthcare, the objections raised by IHMA indicate the need for a broader discussion on how the different AYUSH systems can be brought together without compromising their individual academic and professional identities.

The issue is therefore expected to remain an important subject of discussion among AYUSH institutions, professional organisations, academics and policymakers as the government moves forward with the proposal.