Archive · 25 Jun 2025
RTI Query on Medicine Integration Report Denied by Niti Aayog
The Indian government is thinking about combining modern and traditional medicine in education.
An expert group wrote a report about this, but the government won't share it publicly.
An RTI activist asked for the report, but was denied.
Modern doctors are against this plan because they worry about the scientific proof behind some traditional medicine and if this is a good thing for patients.
The doctors are concerned that traditional practitioners may be able to practice modern medicine without sufficient training.
Niti Aayog declined to share an expert panel's report on integrating modern and traditional medicine.
The RTI query was filed by ophthalmologist K.V. Babu, who sought the Working Group 1 report.
Modern doctors oppose the integration plan, citing concerns about scientific evidence and 'backdoor entry'.
The Working Group 1, set up by the Union health ministry, was to outline curriculum and implementation plans.
The IMA has called the integrated medicine education a 'misadventure' that would facilitate 'hybrid doctors'.
- Who
- K.V. Babu filed the RTI query.
- What
- Niti Aayog withheld the report on integration of modern and traditional medicine.
- When
- The RTI query was filed recently.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The government cited exemption under the RTI Act, and modern doctors have expressed concerns about the plan.
Modern Doctors' Concerns
Ayush Experts
Scientific Basis
Modern Doctors' Concerns
Lack of rigorous scientific evidence in some traditional medicine practices.
Ayush Experts
Ayush experts pointing to studies evaluating ayurveda under modern protocols
Practice Standards
Modern Doctors' Concerns
Concerns about the 'backdoor entry' of traditional practitioners into modern practice.
Ayush Experts
N/A
- RTI Activist
- K.V. Babu
- Working Group 1
- Union health ministry panel
- IMA stance
- Opposes the integration plan
- Minister's statement
- Integrated MBBS-BAMS course introduction