The Andhra Pradesh government has approved permission for qualified Ayurveda doctors to independently perform surgical procedures. The decision was cleared by Health, Medical and Family Welfare Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, who described it as a major step towards strengthening AYUSH-based healthcare services in the state.

Under the new policy, Ayurveda doctors who have completed postgraduate degrees in surgical disciplines and undergone prescribed training will be permitted to carry out surgeries independently. The approval has been granted in line with the Indian Medicine Central Council Regulations, 2020, and the guidelines issued by the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine.

With this decision, Ayurveda surgeons holding recognised PG qualifications will be authorised to perform a total of 58 surgical procedures. These include 39 procedures under Shalyatantra (general surgery) and 19 under Shalakya Tantra(ENT and ophthalmology). The approved procedures cover a wide range of interventions such as treatment of infectious conditions requiring surgery, removal of damaged tissues caused by accidents, wound management and suturing, treatment of piles and fissures, excision of cysts and tumours, cataract and tonsil-related procedures, musculoskeletal interventions, and skin grafting.

The Minister held detailed discussions with AYUSH Director K. Dinesh Kumar and senior officials on the implementation of the decision and the future course of action. Officials briefed him on the existing infrastructure, including the Dr NRS Government Ayurvedic College in Vijayawada and two private Ayurvedic colleges in the state, where postgraduate courses are offered.

Minister Satya Kumar Yadav directed officials to immediately introduce Shalyatantra and Shalakya Tantra postgraduate courses at the Vijayawada Government Ayurvedic College. He also instructed that adequate steps be taken to ensure high-quality education, including the establishment of fully equipped operation theatres and the provision of modern surgical instruments required for training and practice.

Expressing satisfaction over the decision, the Minister said the move would enable the full utilisation of the 2,500-year-old surgical knowledge embedded in Ayurveda. He noted that allowing trained practitioners to perform surgeries would help bridge traditional Indian medical systems with contemporary healthcare needs, ultimately benefiting patients. Dr Vijeypal of Herbs Alive Multispecialty Ayurveda says, “Few know that there are 121 surgical instruments in Ayurveda. Surgical procedures can be performed by post-graduate Ayurveda doctors in Shalya (surgery). Ayurveda surgery, the Kshara Sutra technique used for treating anal fistulas.

The Minister also remarked that although the Centre had issued relevant regulations as early as 2000, the previous state government failed to take follow-up action, calling it another example of neglect towards AYUSH services. He said the present government is committed to reviving and strengthening Indian systems of medicine as an integral part of Andhra Pradesh’s healthcare framework.

Few know that there are 121 surgical instruments in Ayurveda. Surgical procedures can be performed by post-graduate Ayurveda doctors in Shalya (surgery). Ayurveda surgery, the Kshara Sutra technique used for treating anal fistulas.

Dr Vijeypal Herbs Alive Multispecialty Ayurveda