AYUSH Now an Elective Course in New MBBS Syllabus

UG medical (MBBS) students now have the option to choose AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) systems as an elective subject from the 2019-20 academic session. The aim of this is to familiarize future doctors to the alternative systems of medicine.

In 2018, the government scrapped the Medical Council of India (MCI) and formed the Board of Governors in place of the medical regulator. The new syllabus got the approval of the Board in January 2019, and it is all set for implantation from August 2019 as that is when the new academic session will commence. This 3-month module will be conceptualized by the Ayush ministry.

Also Read: IIM Kozhikode Conducts Training Sessions for Women Participants from AYUSH Institutes

The objective of adding AYUSH as an elective subject is to introduce alternative medicine to the students practising allopathy. Ayush can play a big role in preventive health measures, but it will not be a compulsory course for medical students. The students will get a chance to visit Ayush hospitals and attend the OPDs.

Also Read: AYUSH Minister Lays Foundation for National Institute of Homeopathy in Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush was set up on 9th November 2014 with the objective of having optimal development of AYUSH systems of health care. It was earlier known as the Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy and was formed in March 1995. However, it was renamed as the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The renaming happened in 2003 and AYUSH is an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.