Discover the Indian government’s groundbreaking initiative to certify traditional healthcare providers, giving recognition to their inherited expertise. Learn how this move might revolutionize healthcare in remote regions and create symbiosis between traditional and modern medical practices.
NEW DELHI: The Indian government aims to bestow certification on local healthcare providers who, despite lacking formal qualifications, have inherited familial expertise in specific treatments like snake bite remedies, jaundice, and bone-setting, according to two officials.
One official explained, “They possess the knowledge and practical experience, yet their lack of formal educational degrees creates a barrier to their societal recognition. To address this, the government plans to offer certification through the autonomous body, the Quality Council of India. This will endorse those who have the vital skills and competency for their roles.”
The strategy to certify these traditional community health experts is designed to legitimize their practices and enhance their earnings, mentioned the second unnamed official.
Addressing the shortage of modern medical practitioners, India relies on these traditional experts, especially in its remote areas. The government highlighted earlier in the Lok Sabha that with nearly 1.3 million allopathic doctors, including those practicing traditional medicine, India boasts a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:834, surpassing the World Health Organization’s threshold of 1:1000.
The ministry of AYUSH, an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, regulates traditional and alternate medicinal practices.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to develop integrated treatment techniques that combine modern and traditional Indian medical practices, as reported on December 3. Acknowledging the skepticism toward traditional medicine’s lack of empirical evidence, despite its greater accessibility, the ministry is also crafting research-driven protocols to treat a spectrum of ailments.
Inquiries sent to the ministries of health, AYUSH, and commerce about the government’s certification ambitions for community healthcare practitioners remained unanswered.
Traditional community healthcare providers, beyond certified AYUSH practitioners, are essential in delivering healthcare services, particularly in less urbanized regions. They’re a specialized cadre of paramedical professionals endorsed by the Ministry of AYUSH.
Their expertise spans a wide range of health issues — from primary care for common conditions to the management of jaundice, musculoskeletal disorders, childbirth, and bites from animals or reptiles.
“Traditional health practitioners serve people from all walks of life. While their services are crucial for the underprivileged and those in remote areas, others also benefit from their knowledge,” observed Dr. Ritu Priya, Professor of Public Health at Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health.
Dr. Priya notes the Quality Council of India (QCI) has an efficient process for validating these practitioners’ skills. Following an evaluation of their practice, they may receive a certification. “This certification, while voluntary, sets a quality benchmark, and under-experienced candidates are recommended for further training at QCI-designated institutions.”
Aviral Mathur, President of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association, advises that in-depth training programs, based on modern medical insights, are necessary to bridge traditional practices with contemporary healthcare standards.
“We support the government’s initiative to authenticate community healthcare workers in traditional medicine, aiming to conserve invaluable heritage while ensuring medical efficacy. Continuous evaluation, collaboration with certified healthcare experts, and commitment to proven treatment methods will boost both the trustworthiness and safety of traditional practices,” he added.
Dr. Ashish Kumar Jaiswal, a Homeopathic physician, suggests that the government’s move will not only permit Indian folk medicine practitioners to enhance their skills but also sift out the unqualified.
“It’s imperative to offer a stage for those skilled in various indigenous and folk healing approaches to present and corroborate their knowledge and experience,” expressed Dr. Jaiswal, the Chief Medical Officer (Homoeopathy) at a Central Government Health Scheme wellness center. “Simultaneously, they should be given a chance to scientifically substantiate their claims, ensuring apt recognition and promotion.”
