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Saturday, 8 September 2012

Panel formed to study AYUSH row


The deadlock over the use of allopathic medicines along with ayurveda by the Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) doctors may soon end in the state.
 A high-power committee, headed by the additional chief secretary, has been constituted to look into the use of the allopathic medicines by ayurveda doctors.
 The government has directed the committee to submit a report within 20 days.
 The committee also consists of principal secretary of Medical Education, director of Department of AYUSH, vice-chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, secretaries of legal and finance departments, members of IMA and Karnataka Medical Council.
 Dr N A Magadum, president of AYUSH Federation of India-Karnataka said it is crucial to use allopathy medicines along with ayurveda especially in emergency cases.
 “The use of allopathy is essential in rural areas, as more number of BAMS doctors serve in villages.
 In cases of emergency, like in case of dehydration the doctors have to administer IV fluids.
.At a situation like this a doctor cannot restrict to Ayurveda medicines alone”.
 He also cited the example of administering anti-tetanus drug in case of a cut or bruise, which is again an allopathic drug.
 He said, that under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act section 2 (ee) BAMS doctors use modern medicines along with ayurveda practises.
 “States like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu have already permitted the BAMS doctors to use allopathy medicine,” he said.
 As per the instruction from the Apex Court and the Centre, 12 states have been issued government order to permit the usage of allopathic medicine along with ayurveda based on the need of the situation.
 Magadum said that if the GO permitting AYUSH doctors to use allopathic medicine is passed then as many as 40,000 ayurveda doctors in the state would benefit.

Friday, 7 September 2012

Can’t allow Indian system of medicine in military


Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday ruled out introduction of Indian systems of medicine in the Armed forces saying the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) system is based on the allopathic system of medicine.
Replying to a question by BJP MP Chandan Mitra in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister said in a written reply that the feasibility of introduction of the Indian systems of medicine in the armed forces was repeatedly studied by various committees and they did not recommend their inclusion. 
Mitra had asked whether Indian systems of medicine have not been introduced in the armed forces and the scientific reasons for not including these systems besides steps taken by the Government to reimburse expenses on Ayurvedic treatment of the army personnel who opt for this system.
Antonysaid combat medical and surgical requirements are the pivot on which the structure of the AFMS revolve.
He also said the Government has not taken steps to reimburse expenses for Indian systems. The AFMS is responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to Services personnel.
This question came in the backdrop of the Army disallowing reimbursement of Ayurvedic treatment of PV Manesh, a National Security Guard (NSG) commando who was wounded during the firefight with terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai terror carnage.  Manesh was awarded Shaurya Chakra for his act of bravery.
Manesh was in coma for six months after he was hit by a grenade and discharged from the Army hospital with left side fully paralysed. He then underwent Ayurveda treatment and recovered.  He is currently incurring an expense of `5,000 on Ayurvedic treatment per month and has sought reimbursement from the Army. The Army has refused it saying Ayurveda is not approved under the defence medical system.