Government Considers Regulatory Mechanism for Acupuncture

The government is evaluating recommendations from an apex committee on acupuncture to establish a regulatory mechanism. Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced that consultations involving multiple departments, including the Ministry of AYUSH, have been completed. Acupuncture has been recognized as a mode of therapy based on expert recommendations.

The government is on the verge of establishing a regulatory framework for acupuncture, following recommendations from an apex committee, Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced on Tuesday.

After a comprehensive consultation involving multiple departments, including the Ministry of AYUSH, and consultations based on the recommendations of the Standing Committee of Experts, acupuncture has been qualified as a mode of therapy, the minister disclosed.

The Inter-Departmental Committee formed by the Department of Health Research recommended in 2018 that acupuncture be accepted as an independent system of healthcare. Consequently, an apex committee on acupuncture was constituted to further promote and regulate the practice.

The apex committee's recommendations include proposed curricula for certification, degree, and diploma courses, regulatory guidelines, and suggestions for reimbursement policies. The committee emphasized the need for a regulatory mechanism to ensure a conducive environment for acupuncture in healthcare. The government is actively considering these proposals, Nadda confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)