Complaints regarding Integrated AYUSH Council: A multifaceted issue

The Integrated AYUSH Council (IAC), formed in 2020 to regulate Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems in India, has drawn both praise and criticism. While the council aims to streamline regulations and improve standards, it has also faced controversies and complaints from various stakeholders.

Let’s delve into the types of complaints lodged against the IAC and the concerns they raise:

1. Registration and licensing issues:

• Delays in processing applications: Practitioners complain of long waiting periods for registration and licensing,hindering their ability to practice legally.
• Unclear guidelines and inconsistencies: Some allege ambiguities in application procedures and varying interpretations by IAC officials, leading to confusion and rejection of applications.
• Unfair eligibility criteria: Concerns exist about discriminatory practices based on qualifications or experience,particularly towards practitioners from traditional lineages.

2. Professional misconduct and disciplinary actions:

• Inadequate complaint redressal mechanisms: Accusations exist about delayed investigations and lack of transparency in handling complaints against practitioners.
• Lenient penalties for misconduct: Critics argue that existing punishments for offenses like negligence or malpractice are insufficient to deter violations.
• Lack of public awareness: Many patients remain unaware of avenues for reporting inappropriate conduct by practitioners, limiting accountability.

3. Policy and governance concerns:

• Dominance of Ayurveda: There are apprehensions that the council prioritizes Ayurveda over other AYUSH systems, leading to unequal representation and marginalization of other practices.
• Lack of transparency in decision-making: Allegations exist about insufficient public consultation and closed-door decision-making processes within the IAC.
• Limited stakeholder engagement: Some practitioners feel excluded from policy discussions and decisions that directly impact their profession.

Addressing the complaints:

The IAC has taken steps to address these concerns, including streamlining registration processes, setting up grievance redressal committees, and conducting awareness campaigns. However, challenges remain, and consistent efforts are needed to ensure transparency, fairness, and effective regulation.

Moving forward:

Open dialogue and collaboration between the IAC, practitioners, patients, and other stakeholders are crucial to address existing complaints and prevent future ones. Implementing clear guidelines, improving communication channels, and ensuring responsive grievance redressal mechanisms can build trust and strengthen the effectiveness of the IAC in regulating the AYUSH sector.