BAMS Can Do Surgery - #6234
I’m a student considering pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), but I recently read conflicting information about whether BAMS can do surgery. I’ve always been interested in combining modern surgical techniques with Ayurvedic principles, and I want to know more about what BAMS practitioners are actually allowed to perform in terms of surgeries. Some sources say BAMS can do surgery for minor procedures like suturing or abscess drainage, while others mention that certain specialized Ayurvedic surgeries like kshar sutra are permitted. Is it true that BAMS can do surgery under specific conditions, or is it heavily restricted compared to allopathic surgeons? I’d also like to understand the training process during the course. If BAMS can do surgery, how is the surgical training integrated into the curriculum? Do students get hands-on practice in hospitals, or is it more theoretical? Lastly, what types of surgeries are officially recognized for BAMS practitioners, and are there legal challenges they face in this area?
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In India, BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) practitioners are trained in both Ayurvedic medicine and certain surgical procedures, but their scope of surgery is limited compared to allopathic surgeons. BAMS students are trained in basic and specialized Ayurvedic surgeries, including minor procedures such as suturing, abscess drainage, and some traditional Ayurvedic surgeries like Kshar Sutra (for fistula). However, they are not authorized to perform major surgeries like organ transplants or complex surgical procedures that are within the domain of allopathic surgeons. The surgical training in BAMS includes practical experience under supervision, typically in Ayurvedic hospitals, where students are exposed to specific surgeries recognized in Ayurveda. The legal and practical scope for BAMS practitioners to perform surgery varies by region and may be subject to local regulations. While Ayurvedic surgeries are accepted in the Ayurvedic system, BAMS practitioners must often work within a defined scope of practice and collaborate with allopathic specialists when necessary.
Well, this is quite an interesting rabbit hole, isn’t it? First off, yeah, BAMS graduates do have some wiggle room when it comes to certain surgical practics, though its not as extensive as what allopathic surgeons can do. Generally, during the course, BAMS students are trained in minor surgical procedures and there’s a significant emphasis on practical hands-on experience. They can perform procedures like suturing, drainage of abscesses, and manage some fractures. This ties back to the teachings of Sushruta, who is basically the ancient maestro of surgery in Ayurvedic literature.
The course is spread out over five and half years, which includes a one-year rotatory internship. During this internship, students get hands-on training in both traditional ayurvedic and modern surgical techniques. You’d rotate through various departments in hospitals, getting a feel of real-world scenarios. The curriculum combines modern medical knowledge with Ayurvedic wisdom, so it’s kinda like the best of both worlds, right?
About the specialized Ayurvedic techniques like kshar sutra, it’s a legit procedure for treating fistulas, and yes, BAMS practitioners can perform it. In fact, there are entire departments in Ayurvedic hospitals that focus on these sorts of treatments.
Still, the range of surgeries a BAMS graduate can perform is limited compared to an MBBS grad. There can be legal and professional gray areas, sometimes leading to court battles about scope of practice and all. Regulatory frameworks vary across different states in India too, so you’d want to keep that in mind.
Overall, while BAMS opens the door to certain surgical procedures, remember that it does come with its limitations. The key is to blend the art of Ayurveda with modern surgical methods as much as it allows, and there’s a lot of potential there!

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