The approval by the National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine for seven new postgraduate courses at the Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor, marks a watershed moment in the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. With 35 PG seats sanctioned across critical disciplines-Ayurved Samhita, Sanskrit and Siddhanta, Kriya Sharir, Rachna Sharir, Kayachikitsa, Panchkarma, Shalya Tantra, and Kaumarbhritya-Bala Roga-the UT is set to witness a major transformation in Ayurveda education, research, and practice. This development is more than a symbolic recognition; it is a substantive step towards strengthening traditional medicine in a region where trust in Ayurveda runs deep. The people of J&K have long relied on nature and indigenous knowledge for healing, and the establishment of postgraduate programmes provides a structured avenue for advancing these practices into credible, evidence-based healthcare solutions.
For the first time, Ayurveda aspirants in the UT will have access to advanced study within their home region. These PG courses will nurture specialised doctors and inspire a new culture of research. J&K, with its rich biodiversity and abundance of medicinal plants in the Himalayan terrain, offers a natural laboratory for Ayurvedic exploration. Postgraduate scholars can undertake region-specific studies and validate traditional remedies through scientific frameworks. This has the potential to produce breakthroughs not just for local patients but also for global health markets. The inclusion of disciplines like Panchkarma and Kayachikitsa ensures that graduates will gain expertise in therapies that are increasingly being sought worldwide for chronic conditions, stress management, and lifestyle disorders. Similarly, Kaumarbhritya-Bala Roga, focusing on child health, addresses an area where holistic approaches are much needed. By combining traditional knowledge with modern research methods, Akhnoor can become a centre of excellence for Ayurvedic treatment.
One of the greatest strengths of Ayurveda lies in its philosophy of curing diseases at their root rather than merely suppressing symptoms. Although Ayurvedic treatments may take time, they offer sustainable and side-effect-free solutions. With trained PG specialists at Akhnoor, patients in J&K will soon have access to refined therapies that combine tradition with clinical precision. This expansion will also widen the patient base. Currently, many patients who believe in Ayurveda travel outside the UT for advanced consultations.
The approval of 190 new MBBS seats across five Government Medical Colleges, coming close on the heels of Ayurveda’s expansion, demonstrates a balanced approach to healthcare development in J&K. While allopathy remains indispensable in emergencies and acute care, Ayurveda brings unique strengths in chronic disease management, preventive care, and wellness. The simultaneous strengthening of both systems ensures that the people of the UT will have access to a more holistic, multi-dimensional healthcare framework.
It must be acknowledged, however, that the journey ahead is not without hurdles. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has granted only a Letter of Intent, not yet the Letter of Permission. Admissions will be permitted only after the college fulfils the necessary prerequisites: upgrading hospital facilities, ensuring adequate infrastructure, and depositing the prescribed security. While these steps may delay the launch, it is a worthwhile investment in credibility and quality assurance. Once compliance is achieved, Akhnoor will be poised to become a premier Ayurveda education hub. Another critical aspect is ensuring that this growth does not fall prey to quackery or commercialisation. By producing rigorously trained postgraduate doctors, Akhnoor College has the opportunity to reinforce Ayurveda’s credibility. Evidence-based research and adherence to quality standards in Ayurvedic medicines will be essential in protecting its legacy and expanding its reach.
Globally, the post-COVID era has seen a surge in interest in holistic and natural health systems. This is the right moment for J&K to position itself as a force to reckon with in Ayurveda, leveraging its natural resources and new academic infrastructure. The seven PG courses at Akhnoor represent an opportunity to create thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners who can take Ayurveda from the Himalayan slopes to the global stage. If implemented with vision and integrity, this initiative will strengthen J&K’s healthcare architecture, empower local youth with new career opportunities, and provide patients with safe, effective, and time-tested alternatives.
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