In a move that is likely to bring relief to acupuncture practitioners across the country, the Centre is considering the establishment of a regulatory framework for the 3,000 year-old practice. This proposed mechanism aims to enhance accessibility and promote evidence-based practices within the country.
Despite acupuncture's official recognition by the Government in February 2019, the lack of clear regulatory guidelines has impeded its independent practice. The courts from time to time have echoed concern in the matter, with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court instructing the Tamil Nadu Government last year to ensure that acupuncture is practiced by registered medical practitioners and not as an independent system of medicine until the final guidelines from the Apex Committee are approved.
The Madurai bench passed the order while disposing of a plea filed in 2016, by the President of the All Tamil Nadu Acupuncture and Alternative Medical Association Trust, seeking to forbear the police from interfering with the practice of acupuncture by their members.
However, with Union Health Minister J P Nadda confirming on Tuesday that theGovernment is actively reviewing the apex committee's recommendations, practitioners in the sector can now look forward to formal recognition. Nadda highlighted that a thorough consultation involving multiple departments, including the Ministry of AYUSH, has been completed.
Nadda explained that based on the Standing Committee of Experts' recommendations, acupuncture was recognised as a mode of therapy.
In 2018, the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) advised that acupuncture could be considered an independent healthcare system, provided there is sufficient evidence and expertise for teaching, training, and certification.
Following the IDC's report, an apex committee on acupuncture (ACA) was formed to oversee the promotion and regulation of acupuncture.
The ACA's terms of reference included developing detailed guidelines, suggesting steps for implementing these guidelines, and addressing reimbursement issues for acupuncture treatments.
The ACA's recommendations encompass proposed curricula for certificate, degree, and diploma courses in acupuncture, a template for regulatory rules, and suggestions for treatment reimbursement.
To ensure effective implementation, the committee has recommended that the government establish a regulatory mechanism to create a supportive environment for acupuncture practice as a recognised healthcare system.
