Union Govt recognises acupuncture as independent medical system

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 22

Finally, acupuncture has been recognised as an independent medical system in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health Research) has released an order stating that acupuncture has been recognised as an independent medical system in India (copy of the order is with The Tribune).

An inter-departmental committee was constituted on October 20, 2016 for identifying new systems of medicine. Thereafter, a proposal for recognisation of acupuncture in India was given consideration. The proposal was examined and discussed by the committee on October 4, 2017 and January 9, 2018.

The demand for recogniastion was raised by Dr Inderjit Singh, director, Dr DN Kotnis Acupuncture Health and Education Centre, and secretary of Acupuncture Science Association, for providing complete status to acupuncture in India.

Punjab has country’s first indoor acupuncture hospital and training centre at Ludhiana which was recently recognised by the World Federation of Acupuncture- Moxibustion Societies (WFAS).

“This is the biggest milestone achieved in the history of acupuncture in India. Acupuncture is a complete science in itself and is already recognised to be practised worldwide as a mode of therapy. Its addition in Indian healthcare facilities will provide more option to general public. This will help to reduce the health budget as it is economical. Very soon the expert committees will be formed for teaching, training and certification,” said Dr Inderjit Singh.

“Earlier, West Bengal and Maharashtra gave recognisation to acupuncture system. Punjab Government should also recognise it so that degree and diploma courses can be started,” he said.