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Dehradun: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the integration of alternative medicine systems with modern medicine, terming the practice of “mixopathy” as a “menace.”
Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, the newly appointed president of IMA, expressed these concerns during the installation ceremony of the medical body’s new office bearers in Dehradun on Saturday.
Bhanushali emphasized that despite a Supreme Court directive prohibiting such practices, “80% of alternative practitioners continue to prescribe modern medicines.” He clarified that the IMA is not against Ayurveda, Homeopathy, or other traditional systems of medicine. “We respect their respective domains,” he said. “However, mixing these systems with modern medicine can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes for patients.”
The IMA president warned that the promotion of mixopathy would encourage quackery. “Practitioners lacking formal training in modern medicine might prescribe harmful treatments, including high-dose steroids and antibiotics, to unsuspecting patients,” he said, highlighting the potential for serious side effects.
Bhanushali also questioned the feasibility of short-term training programs for practitioners of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, or Unani to perform complex medical procedures. “How can you expect someone with limited training in modern medicine to perform surgeries or administer sophisticated treatments?” he asked. “This poses a significant risk to patient safety.”
The IMA’s stance underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of modern medical practice while acknowledging the value of traditional medicine systems within their respective spheres.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the provided information and may not reflect all aspects of the issue.
