The proposed course, planned for JIPMER, aims to create doctors capable of utilising both allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and provide a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan for patients.
The proposal to integrate MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) into a single course has sparked controversy and opposition, with some calling it “mixopathy”. While the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations have voiced concerns, stating it is unscientific and could compromise patient safety. The proposed course, planned for JIPMER, aims to create doctors capable of utilising both allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and provide a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan for patients.
India has the largest number of medical colleges in the world. With over 700 recognised institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. While this indicates a large capacity for medical education, the doctor-to-population ratio in India remains a challenge, with a ratio of 1:1700 against a world average of 1.5:1000.
To discuss the integration of Ayurveda and Allopathy, The Hindu will host a webinar titled, ‘Examining the MBBS-BAMS integration debate’, on June 28, 2025. The panellists include: Dr. R. P. Parasher, National President, All India Doctors Association of ISM; Dr. Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson, United Doctors Front (UDF); Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Former President, Indian Medical Association, Cochin; and Dr. Manisha Mishra, Ayurved Physician MD (Ayu). The webinar will be moderated by Bindu Perappadan, Senior Assistant Editor, The Hindu.
Register now for free to ask questions and interact with the panellists. Those who ask the three best questions will receive a free online subscription to The Hindu.
Panellists
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson, United Doctors Front (UDF)
Dr. Lakshya Mittal is a Laparoscopic, General, and Laser Surgeon, with a robust academic background and multiple publications in national and international indexed journals. He currently serves as the Chairperson and National President of United Doctors Front (UDF), Bharat—one of the largest associations of doctors and medical students. Under his leadership, UDF has led several movements, including the Tobacco-Free Bharat Campaign, legal advocacy against forced service bonds, and nationwide protests for safer working conditions for healthcare workers. For his contribution to healthcare advocacy, Dr. Mittal was recently felicitated by the Union Minister at the Constitution Club of India.
Dr. R. P. Parasher, National President, All India Doctors Association of ISM
Dr. R. P. Parasher is a medical professional with qualifications in both Ayurveda and Psychology. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer (SAG) at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and serves as the Centre In-charge of the Rohini Diabetic Centre, Sector-16, Rohini. He is also the National President of the All India Doctors Association of Indian System of Medicine (ISM). Dr. Parasher holds a BAMS degree, a Diploma in Pharmacy, and postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and Guidance and Counselling. He has been working with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi since 1983.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Former President, Indian Medical Association, Cochin
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan completed his MBBS and MD General Medicine with top honours from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore in 1995. He received training in Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. He was awarded MRCP (U.K.) from England in 1996. He obtained Board Certification in Medicine and Gastroenterology (Fellowship) from New York Medical College, and spent three years in the U.K. and 10 years in the U.S. before returning to his hometown of Cochin. He has international experience performing over 20,000 endoscopies, in addition to research and publications. He established the department of Gastroenterology at Sunrise Hospital, Cochin in 2009.
Dr. Manisha Mishra, Ayurved Physician MD (Ayu)
Dr. Manisha Mishra is an alumnus of Podar Medical College, having completed her M.D. in Dravya Guna (Ayurvedic materia medica). She is an experienced ayurveda physician and founder of Svahita Wellness, Ayushree Ayurveda (co-founder), and also a part of Bodyveda with over two decades of clinical expertise, integrating ayurveda principles with modern scientific knowledge to offer solutions to modern-day lifestyle diseases. She has also been a keen academic and has taught Ayurveda at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and aiding their knowledge pursuit, and is currently a professor at NKDC Trust Mumbai.
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Published – June 27, 2025 03:22 pm IST
