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News18
17-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Renewed Attack On Yoga And Ayurveda Stems From Insecurity, Intolerance
Last Updated: The civilisational knowledge and wisdom of thousands of years that have healed generations cannot be simply mocked away It could have been just another of those millions of daily fights on X that one forgets as the river of the social media timeline brings in new flotsam. But it got bigger and bigger, perhaps because an entire civilisation's knowledge and wisdom were attacked and insulted, and a country's medical system was brought into question. Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi had written an innocuous Doctors' Day post honouring his family of ayurvedic and homoeopathy doctors. A handle called @theliverdr, a practitioner from Kerala named Cyriac Abby Philips, piped up to say none of them were actual doctors. Cheered on by some others, he called AYUSH (ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha, and homoeopathy) 'pseudo-science". It is fine to criticise Indic medical and wellness systems. But when one repeatedly attacks and summarily dismisses it, one needs to delve into the motives. After all, the civilisational knowledge and wisdom of thousands of years that have healed generations cannot be simply mocked away. First, it betrays the deep insecurity of allopathy, which works on the Western paradigm of modern medicine, towards other medical systems. Many allopathic practitioners take the Abrahamic approach of exclusivity, that only it is the last word and the true cure; all other systems are hocus. While Cyriac Abby Philips denigrates Hindu scientists showing any sign of spiritual belief, netizens posted screenshots from the Rajagiri hospital portal, where he is a senior consultant. The hospital has 'chaplaincy and pastoral services" and its motto 'we care, we cure" is a 'proclamation of our firm commitment to invoke the healing power of God upon the whole person, body and soul". Second, ayurveda and homoeopathy are recognised medical courses in India that one gets into after clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET. BAMS, or Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, is an integrated medical degree specially designed to teach students the systems of the traditional Indian ayurveda system. BHMS, or Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, comprehensively covers aspects of that field. After completing this degree, you become eligible to practice as a doctor in homoeopathy. Western medical institutions have increasingly acknowledged and put to use Indian medical systems. For instance, Gerhard J Newerla, MD, from Albany, New York, writes in The New England Journal of Medicine, 'The first knowledge of testicular function was acquired empirically by the ancients when domestic animals were castrated for various reasons. However, the specific effects in men were also familiar in those early civilisations where eunuchs were part of the social order. Furthermore, The Ayurveda, written by Sushruta of India, written about 1400 BC, recommended the administration of testicular tissues for the cure of impotence." Columbia University credits Sushruta for the earliest plastic surgeries and nose jobs. 'During the 6th Century BCE, an Indian physician named Sushruta—widely regarded in India as the 'father of surgery'—wrote one of the world's earliest works on medicine and surgery. The Sushruta Samhita documented the etiology of more than 1,100 diseases, the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, and instructions for performing scores of surgical procedures—including three types of skin grafts and reconstruction of the nose," its journal says. In his acclaimed book, Saving My Neck: A Doctor's East/West Journey through Cancer, Dr Timothy McCall, MD, wonderfully describes his experience at an ayurvedic doctor's place in Kerala. He says this doctor, Chandukutty, loves taking the cases in which the conventional medical doctors have thrown up their hands. In the first week, Dr McCall shadowed him at his clinic in 2007; he witnessed how a 20-something woman with rheumatoid arthritis slowly started recovering. She was bedridden despite high doses of prednisone and methotrexate, heavy Western meds used to calm her autoimmune condition. At Chandukutty's clinic, after a few massages with medicated oils infused with dozens of herbs, she was up walking with a cane. Within three days, she was walking without one. Dr McCall writes: Rather than looking at an entire organism, a reductionist studies the parts that comprise it. In medicine, for example, the heart is viewed as a collection of parts, each of which is studied in detail. Each of these parts is in turn broken down into its own constituent parts. In the case of the heart, reductionists examine the chambers, the valves, the coronary arteries, and every other part that can be identified. This process continues at ever-finer levels of organization, down to nuclei and mitochondria, hormones and neurotransmitters. Reductionist thinking in medicine has saved millions of lives. Consider antibiotics, insulin, and the polio vaccine—even hand-washing. But, unfortunately, some physicians take a good thing too far. They put so much trust in the power of reductionism that they feel no need to consider the full humanity of their patients. When this attitude is taken to its extreme, the patient is seen as the sum of her lab tests and imaging studies. She becomes little more than a machine, some of whose parts can be fixed, others replaced. After a lifetime immersed in the field, I believe that we as a society have accepted a flawed understanding of health care. Mark Hyman, MD, and then director, Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, says the 'integrative approach is the future of health care". But in the land where that very integrative approach was born, some practitioners ironically want to choke every ounce of ancient knowledge instead of exploring—in true scientific temperament—what they still do not know or are able to prove accurately with current medical understanding. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Union Minister Jitendra Singh invokes Dr B C Roy's legacy at IMA's Doctors' Day celebration
New Delhi: Paying rich tribute to Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the world-renowned physician and doyen of medical academics, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday invoked Dr B C Roy's legacy to emphasise the importance of restoring doctor-patient trust which was the hallmark of Dr Roy's era in the first half of the 20th century, Ministry of Science & Technology said. Dr Jitendra Singh, as the Chief Guest, was speaking at the Doctors' Day celebration organised by the national body of the Indian Medical Association ( IMA ) here. The event was attended by IMA National President Dr Bhanushali, President-Elect Dr Naik, Immediate Past President Dr Asoken, and other national office bearers of the IMA. Addressing a packed audience of medical professionals, Jitendra Singh invoked the legacy of Dr. B.C. Roy, reflecting on his immense contribution to both medicine and nation-building. "One of the greatest traits of Dr. Roy was the unwavering trust he and his contemporaries commanded in society, without compromising his consultation fee or ethics," he said. "Dr. Roy charged a consultation fee of over Rs 66 in the 1940s, and nobody questioned it. Today, we must ask ourselves -- why has the same trust eroded?" he asked, calling for a revival of the doctor-patient trust, which, he emphasised, was the hallmark of Dr. Roy's era. Singh urged the medical fraternity to reclaim the dignity, integrity, and social faith that once defined the noble profession, while emphasising that the changing perception of doctors stems not from individual failings alone but from larger shifts in societal values. Recalling the legacy of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Minister described it as a "pillar of Indian healthcare," and lauded it as the largest and oldest body of medical practitioners in the country. Founded in 1928 during the 5th All India Medical Conference in Calcutta, IMA stands today as a formidable national force representing over 3.3 lakh doctors through 1,750+ local branches across 34 States and Union Territories. With its headquarters in Delhi, the IMA has remained at the forefront of shaping healthcare policy , strengthening medical ethics, and promoting public health awareness. Dr Singh praised the visionaries who gave birth to the Association during politically turbulent times -- legendary names such as Dr B C Roy, Dr M A Ansari, Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, and Col. Bhola Nath -- noting that many among them also played active roles in India's freedom struggle. "Their mission was clear -- to promote advancement of medical sciences, improve public health, and uphold the dignity of the profession. That mission is more relevant today than ever before," Dr Singh said. Jitendra Singh, who is himself a noted Professor of Medicine and Diabetologist, offered deeply personal reflections on the changing face of medicine in India. The Minister highlighted the shift from a time dominated by infectious diseases to a present-day dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, creating both challenges and opportunities for Indian doctors and researchers. "You name the disease -- we have it in India. That's why global researchers increasingly look to India," he said. He also spoke about the paradox of India's demographic profile. "We are a young country with over 70% of the population under 42, yet at the same time, we are ageing rapidly. Life expectancy has increased from 50 years in the 1950s to over 70 years today. This shift calls for a new curriculum, a new mindset, and a new model of medical practice," he noted. The Minister emphasised the urgent need for a holistic, integrated approach to healthcare, blending modern allopathic medicine with AYUSH systems and cutting-edge technological advancements. He cited yoga as an effective tool in managing chronic diseases and called for dissolving silos between different systems of medicine, encouraging openness to integration rather than skepticism. "The time for doubt is over. The world is moving toward integrative medicine -- not out of sentiment, but out of necessity," Dr Singh said. He highlighted India's growing leadership in medical science, citing the DNA vaccine, gene therapy trials, and the development of indigenous antibiotics like Nafithromycin recent breakthroughs. He also pointed to emerging biobanks and genome repositories as critical to future research. "We are not catching up anymore. We are setting the pace," he remarked, urging young medical professionals to embrace this momentum. Concluding his address, Dr Singh called upon doctors to introspect and adapt, emphasising the importance of "unlearning and relearning" in an era defined by rapid technological change -- including AI-assisted surgery, robotic diagnostics, and telemedicine. He also stressed the importance of bridging the public-private divide in healthcare delivery. "It is time for whole-of-nation healthcare, powered by whole-of-medicine collaboration," he stated. "Let us honor Dr B C Roy not just by remembering him, but also by living the values he stood for -- trust, competence, and integrity. The IMA, as one of the strongest pillars of India's healthcare system, must lead this transformation," Singh concluded.
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Union Minister Jitendra Singh invokes Dr B C Roy's legacy at IMA's Doctors' Day celebration
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Paying rich tribute to Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the world-renowned physician and doyen of medical academics, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday invoked Dr B C Roy's legacy to emphasise the importance of restoring doctor-patient trust which was the hallmark of Dr Roy's era in the first half of the 20th century, Ministry of Science & Technology said. Dr Jitendra Singh, as the Chief Guest, was speaking at the Doctors' Day celebration organised by the national body of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) here. The event was attended by IMA National President Dr Bhanushali, President-Elect Dr Naik, Immediate Past President Dr Asoken, and other national office bearers of the IMA. Addressing a packed audience of medical professionals, Jitendra Singh invoked the legacy of Dr. B.C. Roy, reflecting on his immense contribution to both medicine and nation-building. 'One of the greatest traits of Dr. Roy was the unwavering trust he and his contemporaries commanded in society, without compromising his consultation fee or ethics,' he said. 'Dr. Roy charged a consultation fee of over Rs 66 in the 1940s, and nobody questioned it. Today, we must ask ourselves -- why has the same trust eroded?' he asked, calling for a revival of the doctor-patient trust, which, he emphasised, was the hallmark of Dr. Roy's era. Singh urged the medical fraternity to reclaim the dignity, integrity, and social faith that once defined the noble profession, while emphasising that the changing perception of doctors stems not from individual failings alone but from larger shifts in societal values. Recalling the legacy of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Minister described it as a 'pillar of Indian healthcare,' and lauded it as the largest and oldest body of medical practitioners in the country. Founded in 1928 during the 5th All India Medical Conference in Calcutta, IMA stands today as a formidable national force representing over 3.3 lakh doctors through 1,750+ local branches across 34 States and Union Territories. With its headquarters in Delhi, the IMA has remained at the forefront of shaping healthcare policy, strengthening medical ethics, and promoting public health awareness. Dr Singh praised the visionaries who gave birth to the Association during politically turbulent times -- legendary names such as Dr B C Roy, Dr M A Ansari, Sir Nil Ratan Sircar, and Col. Bhola Nath -- noting that many among them also played active roles in India's freedom struggle. 'Their mission was clear -- to promote advancement of medical sciences, improve public health, and uphold the dignity of the profession. That mission is more relevant today than ever before,' Dr Singh said. Jitendra Singh, who is himself a noted Professor of Medicine and Diabetologist, offered deeply personal reflections on the changing face of medicine in India. The Minister highlighted the shift from a time dominated by infectious diseases to a present-day dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, creating both challenges and opportunities for Indian doctors and researchers. 'You name the disease -- we have it in India. That's why global researchers increasingly look to India,' he said. He also spoke about the paradox of India's demographic profile. 'We are a young country with over 70% of the population under 42, yet at the same time, we are ageing rapidly. Life expectancy has increased from 50 years in the 1950s to over 70 years today. This shift calls for a new curriculum, a new mindset, and a new model of medical practice,' he noted. The Minister emphasised the urgent need for a holistic, integrated approach to healthcare, blending modern allopathic medicine with AYUSH systems and cutting-edge technological advancements. He cited yoga as an effective tool in managing chronic diseases and called for dissolving silos between different systems of medicine, encouraging openness to integration rather than skepticism. 'The time for doubt is over. The world is moving toward integrative medicine -- not out of sentiment, but out of necessity,' Dr Singh said. He highlighted India's growing leadership in medical science, citing the DNA vaccine, gene therapy trials, and the development of indigenous antibiotics like Nafithromycin recent breakthroughs. He also pointed to emerging biobanks and genome repositories as critical to future research. 'We are not catching up anymore. We are setting the pace,' he remarked, urging young medical professionals to embrace this momentum. Concluding his address, Dr Singh called upon doctors to introspect and adapt, emphasising the importance of 'unlearning and relearning' in an era defined by rapid technological change -- including AI-assisted surgery, robotic diagnostics, and telemedicine. He also stressed the importance of bridging the public-private divide in healthcare delivery. 'It is time for whole-of-nation healthcare, powered by whole-of-medicine collaboration,' he stated. 'Let us honor Dr B C Roy not just by remembering him, but also by living the values he stood for -- trust, competence, and integrity. The IMA, as one of the strongest pillars of India's healthcare system, must lead this transformation,' Singh concluded. (ANI)
The Print
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Print
Dermatologist & ThePrint columnist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj honoured by IMA for exemplary community service
Besides running her own clinic, Dr Bhardwaj is actively involved with the Deepanjan Charitable Trust, which operates in Delhi NCR. The trust provides free medical assistance and guidance to people living below the poverty line, with special focus on women's health. She has been working in the field for over 10 years and this was the first time she was nominated for the award. 'This kind of award not only motivates doctors, but also gives a sense of recognition to those who are genuinely working—not just doing things for social media,' Dr Bhardwaj told ThePrint. New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) held its annual award ceremony Sunday to mark Doctors' Day, celebrating exemplary contributions by doctors from across the country. Among the key awardees this year is Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist and public health advocate. Dr Bhardwaj, who is a columnist for ThePrint, was honoured under the Community Service category. National Doctors' Day is observed on 1 July every year to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of visionary leader, social reformer, renowned physician and former chief minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. The awards are instituted by IMA in his honour. The event was held at the Institute of Town Planners, India, in New Delhi. Medical professionals from various states were honoured for their commitment to both clinical excellence and community service across multiple categories, including Community Service, Public Health, Academic Contributions and Lifetime Achievement. Besides Dr Bhardwaj, other awardees in the Community Service category are Dr Shaili Vyas, community medicine specialist from Uttarakhand, Dr Prakash Jagdish Bhai from Gujarat awarded for organising over a dozen health camps and blood donation drives, and Dr Ashish Aneja from Haryana honoured for diabetes care and outreach for the underprivileged. The chief guest at Sunday's event was Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh. Other distinguished guests included Dr Anil Goyal, Delhi MLA and managing director of Goyal Hospital Neurology Centre, and Dr Piyush Jain, Honorary Finance Secretary of the IMA. Dr Goyal, a senior urologist, delivered his keynote address emphasising the need for doctors to reclaim their public image, and urged medical professionals to use modern platforms to share their stories and contributions. The MLA criticised politicians who accuse doctors of malpractices, despite their efforts to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare across the country. 'We must document our work through videos, podcasts, articles, and anecdotes—anything that highlights our contribution and hard work. The public needs to hear about real doctors doing real work,' he said. '(PM) Modi ji is also doing image makeovers—every minute, every day. So, we too need to work on our own image.' Speaking about the importance of the annual awards, Dr Goyal added that these kinds of honours and recognitions strengthen the trust between doctors and society, and tell people that doctors are not just medical professionals, but also community builders. The event concluded with the observation of minute-long silence in memory of the doctors and medical staff at the B.J. Medical College, who lost their lives or were injured in the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Are Homeopaths, Ayurvedic practitioners doctors? Grandmaster's spat with 'Liver Doc' revives debate
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Dr Jitendra Singh bats for holistic healthcare, calls for restoring doctor-patient trust
New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday urged the medical fraternity to reclaim the dignity, integrity, and social faith that once defined the noble profession, while emphasising that the changing perception of doctors stems not from individual failings alone but from larger shifts in societal values. Paying rich tribute to Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the world-renowned physician and doyen of medical academics, Dr Singh invoked his legacy to emphasise the importance of restoring doctor-patient trust which was the hallmark of Dr Roy's era in the first half of the 20th century. Speaking at the Doctors' Day celebration organised by the national body of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) here, the minister said 'One of the greatest traits of Dr. Roy was the unwavering trust he and his contemporaries commanded in society, without compromising his consultation fee or ethics'. 'Dr. Roy charged a consultation fee of over Rs 66 in the 1940s, and nobody questioned it. Today, we must ask ourselves — why has the same trust eroded?' he asked. Recalling the legacy of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the minister described it as a 'pillar of Indian healthcare,' and lauded it as the largest and oldest body of medical practitioners in the country. Founded in 1928 during the 5th All India Medical Conference in Calcutta, IMA stands today as a formidable national force representing over 3.3 lakh doctors through 1,750+ local branches across 34 states and Union Territories. With its headquarters in Delhi, the IMA has remained at the forefront of shaping healthcare policy, strengthening medical ethics, and promoting public health awareness. The minister highlighted the shift from a time dominated by infectious diseases to a present-day dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, creating both challenges and opportunities for Indian doctors and researchers. 'You name the disease — we have it in India. That's why global researchers increasingly look to India,' he said. Dr Singh also spoke about the paradox of India's demographic profile. 'We are a young country with over 70 per cent of the population under 42, yet at the same time, we are ageing rapidly. Life expectancy has increased from 50 years in the 1950s to over 70 years today. This shift calls for a new curriculum, a new mindset, and a new model of medical practice,' he noted. The minister emphasised the urgent need for a holistic, integrated approach to healthcare, blending modern allopathic medicine with AYUSH systems and cutting-edge technological advancements.
