National Commission for Indian System of Medicine

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NCISM

National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) is a statutory body in India established to regulate and promote the Indian System of Medicine. This includes the traditional systems of healthcare like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa which have been integral to the Indian culture and heritage. The commission was established with the objective of ensuring the optimal development and propagation of the Indian System of Medicine, maintaining the standards of education, and ensuring the quality of practice in these traditional systems.

History and Establishment

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine was established following the passing of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, by the Parliament of India. This act was a part of the government's initiative to restructure and reform the regulatory framework for medical education in India, ensuring that the traditional systems are preserved, promoted, and integrated into the healthcare delivery system of the country.

Functions and Responsibilities

The primary functions of the NCISM include:

• Regulation of medical education within the Indian System of Medicine across India.
• Ensuring the quality and standards of education are maintained in colleges, universities, and institutions offering courses in the Indian System of Medicine.
• Accreditation of medical institutions offering courses in the Indian System of Medicine.
• Assessment and rating of medical institutions to ensure compliance with the prescribed norms.
• Granting recognition to medical qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Providing ethical oversight in the practice and profession of the Indian System of Medicine.
• Advising the Government of India on matters relating to the recognition of medical qualifications in the Indian System of Medicine.

Composition

The NCISM is composed of various members including experts in the field of the Indian System of Medicine, representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, nominated members from various states and union territories, and elected members from the practitioner community. This diverse composition ensures that the commission benefits from a wide range of perspectives and expertise in fulfilling its mandate.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the NCISM plays a crucial role in the promotion and regulation of the Indian System of Medicine, it faces several challenges including the integration of these traditional systems with the mainstream healthcare delivery system, ensuring the scientific validation of traditional practices, and combating the issues of quackery and unregulated practice. However, there are significant opportunities as well, particularly in the global interest in alternative and traditional forms of medicine, which can help in the internationalization of the Indian System of Medicine.

Impact

The establishment of the NCISM has been a significant step towards recognizing and formalizing the Indian System of Medicine. It has helped in creating a structured and regulated environment for education and practice in these systems, thereby ensuring their growth, scientific validation, and integration into the healthcare system of India.