BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI: The Indian Government has now recognized Acupuncture as an independent system of healthcare/therapy.

Further, a Union Health Ministry’s office order has directed an Inter-Departmental Committee to submit its final report to the Government on various measures to promote the education and practice of acupuncture.

The order, signed by D R Meena, Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, reads, “Certain proposals were received in Union Health Ministry for recognition of Acupuncture - which was accepted as a mode of therapy vide Union Health Ministry ‘s November 25, 2003, order as a system of medicine.”

“After proposals were examined by Inter-Departmental Committee, it had submitted the report on June 11, 2018, which include Acupuncture system can be accepted as an independent system of healthcare, and expert committees may be constituted under chairmanship of former DG, ICMR Dr VM Katoch,” it said.

Dr Raman Kapur, chairman, National Coordination Committee (Acupuncture Expert), told DTMT, “It's been a journey of six long years, but ultimately truly rewarding and inspiring. In gratitude to all those who have been part of this process and whose tireless efforts and undying faith have made this day possible.”

“That aspiration has today come to fruition under the aegis of the Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, who believed in our philosophy, and shared in our vision of enhancing health and care in all its senses,” Dr Kapur added.

A Hyderabad acupuncturist, Dr  M.Manoharan said, “After Government’s recognition, Indians will be benefited from this effective low cost therapy which will help crores of underprivileged families. Why only costly allopathic medicines and investigations have to be prescribed to burden Indians?”