Ayush Ministry Introduces Super Speciality DM Courses in Ayurveda
27-Sep-25 04:21:26

A New Milestone for Traditional Indian Medicine

For centuries, Ayurveda has been celebrated as one of the world’s oldest holistic medical sciences, focusing on the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Until now, structured education in Ayurveda ended with the MD (Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda), which was considered the highest qualification in the field. However, the Ministry of Ayush has taken a historic step by introducing Super Speciality courses – Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Ayurveda.

This initiative is designed to put Ayurveda education on par with Allopathy, where DM and MCh super speciality courses are already established as the pinnacle of clinical expertise. With this development, Ayurveda doctors will have the opportunity to advance their skills in focused disciplines and become super specialists in their fields.

Background: Why Super Speciality in Ayurveda?

The demand for evidence-based, advanced Ayurvedic healthcare has grown tremendously in recent years. India’s Ayurvedic market is already valued at over ₹74,900 crore in 2023 and is projected to touch ₹3.2 trillion by 2032. To sustain this growth, the government recognized the need for highly trained professionals who can combine traditional knowledge with modern medical practices.

Earlier, Ayurveda doctors could pursue BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) followed by MD/MS in Ayurveda. While this provided a solid academic foundation, there was no avenue for super speciality learning equivalent to Allopathy’s DM/MCh structure. The new policy bridges this gap, ensuring that Ayurveda doctors can transition towards advanced clinical practice and research.

The New DM Courses in Ayurveda

The Ayush Ministry has rolled out four super speciality disciplines, which will be offered as DM courses:

1. Kayachikitsa (General Medicine in Ayurveda)

   • Focuses on internal medicine, chronic diseases, and systemic treatments.

   • Students will gain expertise in managing lifestyle disorders, metabolic syndromes, and emerging chronic conditions using advanced Ayurvedic protocols.

2. Shalya Tantra (Ayurvedic Surgery)

   • One of the most advanced branches of Ayurveda, rooted in Sushruta Samhita.

   • Will cover surgical techniques, wound management, anorectal disorders, and integration of Ayurvedic surgery with modern practices.

3. Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology in Ayurveda)

   • Deals with eye, ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases.

   • Includes advanced Ayurvedic procedures like Kriyakalpa for eye care, along with modern diagnostic techniques.

4. Panchakarma (Specialised Detoxification Therapy)

   • Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s hallmark for detoxification and rejuvenation.

   • The DM programme will prepare specialists who can treat complex metabolic, autoimmune, and neurological conditions through advanced Panchakarma therapies.

Each subject will have 4 to 6 seats initially, and candidates will be admitted through an All India-level entrance examination.

How Admission Will Work

• The Ayush Ministry will conduct a national entrance test, similar to NEET-SS for allopathy.

• Only candidates with an MD in the respective branch of Ayurveda will be eligible.

• Selected students will undergo 3 years of rigorous training, combining clinical practice, research, and advanced theoretical learning.

• Seats will be limited, ensuring exclusivity and high standards of education.

Impact on Ayurveda Education and Healthcare

1. Raising Academic Standards

With DM courses, Ayurveda now matches Allopathy in terms of structured super speciality education. This will not only strengthen the credibility of Ayurveda in India but also create opportunities for global recognition.

2. Boosting Research and Innovation

Super speciality courses will encourage advanced research in Ayurveda, especially in fields like oncology, cardiology, neurology, and metabolic disorders. Integrating Ayurveda with modern lab-based studies could unlock new treatment possibilities.

3. Global Opportunities for Practitioners

Countries like the UK are already moving towards integrating Ayurveda into healthcare (as seen with plans to recruit 10,000 Ayurvedic doctors). Having DM-qualified specialists will enhance India’s soft power and medical diplomacy.

4. Better Patient Care

Chronic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, PCOS, obesity, and mental health issues are rising sharply. With highly skilled specialists in Ayurveda, patients will have access to targeted, personalised treatments.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Ankit Basantani, a senior practitioner at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, commented that this step will “elevate Ayurveda to the next level, ensuring it is not just seen as an alternative, but as a parallel system with robust academic and clinical grounding.”

Similarly, education experts note that the DM initiative will open pathways for collaborative research projects, where Ayurvedic specialists can work alongside allopathic doctors in multidisciplinary hospitals.

Institutions Likely to Offer the DM Programme

Initially, the courses will be rolled out in premier Ayurveda institutions, including:

• National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur

• All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

• State Ayurvedic Universities and Postgraduate Colleges in states like Kerala, Gujarat, and Karnataka

These institutions are already equipped with advanced infrastructure and patient flow, making them suitable for super speciality training.

Challenges Ahead

While the introduction of DM in Ayurveda is historic, there are some challenges to address:

• Standardisation of Curriculum: Ayurveda is deeply textual (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita), and designing uniform, exam-ready syllabi will require expertise.

• Integration with Modern Tools: Advanced diagnostic methods like MRI/CT scans are not traditionally part of Ayurveda. Integrating modern tools while keeping Ayurvedic integrity intact will be essential.

• Faculty Training: There is currently a shortage of senior Ayurvedic professors qualified to teach at the super speciality level. Rapid capacity building will be required.

• Acceptance among Patients: While Ayurveda has mass popularity, some patients still see it as “alternative.” DM-trained specialists can change this perception, but it will take time.

Future Outlook

The launch of DM in Ayurveda is not just an academic reform; it represents a paradigm shift in India’s healthcare strategy. By empowering Ayurveda with the same structural hierarchy as Allopathy, India is sending a strong message: traditional medicine can evolve, modernise, and remain globally relevant.

As the first batch of DM Ayurveda specialists emerges, they will likely shape research, lead hospitals, and create new benchmarks in integrative medicine. Over the next decade, we may see Ayurveda DM departments working alongside cardiology or oncology units in major hospitals, offering patients a holistic choice of care.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Ayush’s decision to introduce super-speciality DM courses in Ayurveda is a watershed moment in Indian medical education. With focused disciplines in Kayachikitsa, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra, and Panchakarma, the initiative bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.

It provides Ayurveda the academic dignity and clinical depth it deserves, while offering patients new hope through specialised, holistic treatments. If implemented effectively, this reform could transform Ayurveda from being seen as merely traditional wisdom into a globally respected, evidence-based medical science.

Source: Patrika Exclusive (patrika.com)