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2 August 2026

NCISM clarification on 'quack' terminology

The topic provides context on the regulatory role of the NCISM and the federal division of powers regarding healthcare, though it is a clarification rather than a major policy shift or landmark legal development.

1 min read Day 1 of 2 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) is a statutory body established under the NCISM Act, 2020.
  • NCISM regulates education, professional standards, and registration for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa systems.
  • A recent NCISM circular clarifies that registered practitioners of these systems cannot be legally termed 'quacks' or 'bogus doctors'.
  • The clarification aims to protect the professional standing of registered ISM practitioners who were facing harassment and public stigma.
  • Legal recognition as an ISM practitioner does not automatically grant the authority to practice modern (allopathic) medicine.
  • Cross-practice of medicine is governed by specific State laws, statutory provisions, and government notifications.
  • Supreme Court precedents, such as Poonam Verma v. Ashwin Patel (1996) and Dr. Mukhtiar Chand & Others v. State of Punjab (1998), establish that practicing a system without specific qualification or legal authorization is prohibited.
  • Health is a State subject in India; identifying and prosecuting unqualified practitioners (quacks) is the responsibility of State governments and State Medical Councils.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in NCISM clarification on terminology for registered practitioners, which has been running since 2 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the legal status of Indian System of Medicine (ISM) practitioners in India and the regulatory role of the NCISM in ensuring professional standards. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the legal complexities surrounding the practice of modern medicine by practitioners of traditional systems in India. How do judicial precedents and state-level regulations shape the boundaries of medical practice? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following systems of medicine is NOT currently regulated under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020?

  2. Under the Indian Constitution, which level of government holds the primary responsibility for identifying and taking action against unqualified medical practitioners?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-02/ncism-clarification-on-quack-terminology