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3 August 2026

NCISM clarification on 'quack' terminology

The topic involves a clarification by a statutory body (NCISM) regarding the legal status of practitioners, which touches upon regulatory governance and judicial precedents concerning the scope of medical practice.

1 min read Day 2 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.
  • A recent NCISM circular clarified that registered practitioners of these systems cannot be legally labeled as 'quacks' or 'bogus doctors'.
  • The clarification aims to protect the professional standing of registered practitioners and distinguish them from unqualified individuals falsely claiming medical expertise.
  • Legal recognition as an ISM practitioner does not automatically grant the authority to practice modern (allopathic) medicine.
  • Cross-practice is governed by state laws, specific statutory provisions, and court rulings.
  • Supreme Court precedents, such as Poonam Verma v. Ashwin Patel (1996) and Dr. Mukhtiar Chand & Others v. State of Punjab (1998), establish that ISM practitioners cannot practice allopathy unless specifically authorized by law.
  • Health is a State subject; identifying and taking action against unqualified practitioners is the responsibility of State governments and State Medical Councils.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 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 role of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) in regulating traditional medicine and the legal distinction between registered ISM practitioners and unqualified medical practitioners. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the legal framework governing the practice of medicine in India, particularly regarding the scope of practice for traditional medicine practitioners and the judicial stance on cross-practice between different systems of medicine. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following systems of medicine are regulated under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020?

  2. Under the Indian Constitution, which level of government is primarily responsible for identifying and taking action against unqualified medical practitioners?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-03/ncism-clarification-on-quack-terminology