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HYDERABAD, April 9, 2025: Pharmacists specializing in AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) systems across Telangana are protesting a recent state government directive that could see them replaced by pharmacists trained in Allopathy. The contention surrounds Government Order (GO Ms No 65), issued on March 28, 2025, which proposes filling AYUSH pharmacist positions with individuals holding Allopathy pharmacy qualifications.
The government order outlines a plan to recruit individuals holding a Diploma in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Pharmacy, or Doctor of Pharmacy – all qualifications within the Allopathy stream – for AYUSH pharmacist roles in government hospitals. According to the GO, these recruits would undergo a six-month Certificate Course in AYUSH before taking up the positions.
This decision directly impacts a significant number of existing personnel. According to reports from Telangana Today, approximately 62 AYUSH pharmacists (formerly known as compounders) have been working on a contract basis in state government hospitals since 2005. An additional 275 AYUSH pharmacists have been employed under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) since 2008.
Speaking out against the move, the AYUSH Pharmacists (Compounder) Welfare Association highlighted the history of their recruitment and qualifications. They informed Telangana Today that when they were initially hired as AYUSH compounders, the eligibility requirement was intermediate education. In 2017, their designation was changed to ‘pharmacist,’ and the required qualification was formally revised to a two-year diploma in AYUSH pharmacy. However, the association crucially noted that such a diploma course has never been established or offered within Telangana State.
“Now, in 2025, the State government says Allopathy pharmacists should be recruited in place of AYUSH pharmacists,” members of the association complained. They strongly questioned the efficacy of the proposed bridging course and the potential disregard for their long-standing experience.
“How can an Allopathy pharmacist become an AYUSH pharmacist in six months?” they asked. “What about the 25 years of experience that we have gained by working as AYUSH pharmacists in Government hospitals? Does that mean nothing?”
Expressing deep anxiety about their livelihoods, they added, “What about our families? By releasing this Government Order, overnight, we have literally become jobless.” The protest underscores their fear that years of dedicated service and practical experience in AYUSH dispensaries are being overlooked in favour of individuals with different training, requiring only a short conversion course.
Disclaimer: This news article is based solely on the information provided. It aims to report on the situation as described and does not represent independent verification or endorsement of the claims made by the protesting pharmacists or the government’s rationale beyond what was supplied. The situation may evolve, and further details or perspectives might emerge.
