IAMF Calls for Central Statutory Regulation for Yoga & Naturopathy (BNYS); Terms It Essential for Academic Justice and Public Health Clarity

In 2020, India restructured AYUSH governance through the establishment of:

● The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) governing Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-Rigpa

● The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)

However, Yoga & Naturopathy were not included under an equivalent statutory commission.

While certification and institutional mechanisms currently exist, there is no comprehensive central statutory authority regulating Yoga & Naturopathy education, registration, and professional standards uniformly across India.

According to IAMF, this has resulted in administrative inconsistency and varying recognition across states.

Drugless Does Not Mean Unregulated

BNYS is a 5½-year medical education program including internship and clinical exposure. The curriculum includes: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Diagnosis, Clinical training, Preventive and lifestyle medicine, Yogic therapy and naturopathy modalities

“These professionals are trained to address preventive healthcare, rehabilitation, and lifestyle disorders — areas of increasing national importance,” said Dr. Aravind Lakshminarayanan.

He further stated:

“Drugless therapy does not mean regulation-less therapy. Any healthcare discipline dealing with human health must function within a clear legal and professional framework.”

Student Concerns Emerging Nationwide

Discussions among students and practitioners across several states indicate increasing concern regarding:

● Lack of uniform central registration

● Differences in recognition between states

● Professional identity ambiguity

● Long-term career clarity

IAMF clarified that the issue is not a conflict between medical systems but a structural regulatory gap.

“This is not a comparison with any other medical system. The request is simply for clarity within Yoga & Naturopathy itself,” the federation noted.

IAMF Recommendations to Government of India

The Federation has proposed two policy pathways:

1. Establish a Separate National Commission / Central Council for Yoga & Naturopathy

OR

2. Create a statutory Board under a Central Act empowered to regulate:

○ Education standards

○ Curriculum uniformity

○ Central practitioner registration

○ Institutional recognition

○ Ethical and disciplinary mechanisms

○ National professional identity

Public Health Significance

IAMF emphasised that Yoga & Naturopathy play a major role in:

● Preventive healthcare

● Lifestyle disease management

● Non-communicable disease control

● Integrative healthcare models

“With lifestyle disorders rising rapidly, strengthening preventive healthcare capacity is a national priority,” the federation stated.

A Constructive Representation

IAMF clarified that the appeal is constructive and solution-oriented.

“India has taken historic steps to promote AYUSH globally. This representation seeks completion of that vision through statutory clarity for Yoga & Naturopathy,” said Dr. Aravind Lakshminarayanan.

National Implications

The federation cautioned that absence of regulatory clarity may lead to:

● Reduced student admissions

● Public confusion regarding professional status

● Administrative inconsistencies

● Underutilisation of preventive healthcare workforce

Conclusion

The Indian AYUSH Medical Federation reiterated that its request is based on:

● Academic justice

● Professional dignity

● Patient safety

● Regulatory clarity

● Strengthening preventive healthcare

“Recognition brings responsibility. Regulation protects the public,” the statement concluded.

Issued by:

Indian AYUSH Medical Federation (IAMF)

Dr. Aravind Lakshminarayanan

National President

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