NCISM Clarifies Registered AYUSH Doctors Cannot Be Called ‘Quacks’: What the New Circular Means

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has issued a significant clarification reaffirming the legal status of registered AYUSH practitioners in India. According to the Commission’s latest circular, duly qualified and registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical professionals under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020 and cannot be publicly described as “quacks” or “bogus doctors.”

The clarification comes amid reports that qualified AYUSH practitioners have faced harassment, defamatory campaigns, and misleading public statements on social media, in news reports, and through public notices. By reiterating their legal recognition, the Commission aims to protect the professional dignity of registered practitioners while ensuring greater awareness of India’s Healthcare laws.

The circular also highlights the growing importance of AYUSH professionals in India’s healthcare ecosystem, particularly in preventive healthcare, wellness, primary care, and traditional medicine.

What the NCISM Circular Says

The circular, issued on July 29, 2026, states that practitioners who possess recognized qualifications and are registered with the appropriate State Medical Councils under the applicable laws are legally authorized to practice within the scope permitted by law.

It specifically includes graduates holding the following recognized degrees:

• BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
• BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
• BSMS – Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
• BSRMS – Bachelor of Sowa-Rigpa Medicine and Surgery

According to the Commission, there is no legal justification for referring to these registered practitioners as “quacks” or “bogus doctors.”

Who Is Covered Under the Clarification?

The clarification applies only to practitioners who satisfy all legal requirements prescribed under the NCISM Act and are registered with the relevant statutory authorities.

Understanding the NCISM Act, 2020

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020 replaced the earlier regulatory framework governing Indian systems of medicine. The Act modernized medical education, strengthened professional standards, and established a structured regulatory system for AYUSH education and practice.

The legislation recognizes qualified practitioners trained in approved institutions and registered with the appropriate councils, giving them legal authority to practice within the scope defined by applicable laws.

Why the Circular Was Issued

The Commission noted that it had received multiple reports of institutionally trained AYUSH practitioners being subjected to public harassment and defamatory remarks.

According to the NCISM, such incidents have occurred through:

• Public notices
• Print media
• Television broadcasts
• Digital news platforms
• Social media posts
• Public campaigns

The circular seeks to address these concerns by clarifying the legal position of registered practitioners and discouraging misleading public characterizations.

Can Registered AYUSH Doctors Be Called ‘Quacks’?

According to the Commission’s clarification, the answer is no.

The NCISM states that using terms such as “quack” or “bogus doctor” for duly qualified and legally registered practitioners has no basis under the current law. Such descriptions may undermine the legal recognition granted under the NCISM Act and could potentially infringe upon the professional and constitutional rights of registered practitioners.

However, this clarification applies specifically to individuals who possess recognized qualifications and valid registration. It does not extend protection to unqualified or illegally practicing individuals.

Difference Between Registered AYUSH Practitioners and Quackery

The circular also highlights an important distinction that is often misunderstood in public discussions.

Professional Rights Recognized by the Commission

The NCISM reiterates that registered practitioners are entitled to the professional rights and legal protections available under Indian law.

These include:

• Recognition as qualified medical practitioners.
• Professional dignity and respect.
• Protection against defamatory public statements.
• Right to practice within the legally permitted scope.
• Recognition under the NCISM Act and related regulations.

The Role of AYUSH in India’s Healthcare System

AYUSH systems—including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy (regulated separately)—form an important part of India’s healthcare landscape.

Registered AYUSH practitioners contribute to preventive healthcare, lifestyle management, chronic disease support, wellness promotion, rehabilitation, and community health services. In many rural and underserved areas, they also improve healthcare accessibility where specialist services may be limited.

The government has increasingly emphasized integrating evidence-based traditional medicine with broader public health initiatives while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

Importance of Practicing Within the Legal Scope

While reaffirming the legal recognition of AYUSH practitioners, the circular also reinforces that they must practice within the scope permitted by law and applicable state regulations.

The scope of practice may vary depending on state-specific rules, professional registration, additional certifications, and other legal provisions governing medical practice.

This distinction remains important because legal recognition does not eliminate the obligation to comply with professional standards and regulatory requirements.

What the Circular Means for Media and Public Institutions

The Commission’s clarification serves as guidance for media organizations, institutions, public authorities, and individuals communicating about registered AYUSH practitioners.

It advises against using terminology that inaccurately portrays legally recognized professionals as unauthorized practitioners. Responsible reporting and accurate terminology help reduce misinformation while respecting statutory recognition granted under Indian law.

Implications for Patients

For patients, the circular provides greater clarity regarding who qualifies as a legally recognized practitioner within India’s traditional medicine systems.

Patients should continue to verify that healthcare providers possess recognized qualifications, maintain valid registration, and practice within their authorized scope. Registration with the appropriate statutory council remains one of the most reliable ways to distinguish qualified professionals from unauthorized practitioners.

Why This Clarification Matters

The latest NCISM circular is more than a clarification of terminology—it reinforces the legal framework governing India’s traditional systems of medicine. By affirming the status of registered AYUSH practitioners, the Commission aims to protect qualified professionals from mischaracterization while strengthening public understanding of the country’s healthcare regulatory system.

As India continues expanding access to healthcare through multiple systems of medicine, ensuring accurate recognition of qualified practitioners becomes increasingly important for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Key Takeaway: The NCISM has clarified that registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa who hold recognized qualifications and valid registration are legally recognized medical practitioners under the NCISM Act, 2020. The Commission states that referring to such professionals as “quacks” or “bogus doctors” has no legal basis and may violate their professional rights, while emphasizing that practitioners must continue to work within the scope permitted by law.