The Supreme Court referred the issue of whether MBBS and AYUSH doctors can receive equal service conditions, including retirement age, to a larger bench, emphasizing that treatment of unequals as equals is impermissible, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the petitioner.
On February 10th, the Supreme Court criticized Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir for not addressing illegal advertisements of Ayurvedic and Unani drugs. The Court summoned their chief secretaries for explanations due to non-compliance with prior orders. Emphasizing enforcement of Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, it aims to curb deceptive promotions.
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court, urging the inclusion of traditional Indian healthcare systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy—into the PM-JAY scheme. Despite prior commitments from the Centre and directives from the Delhi High Court, these practices remain excluded. The PIL highlights the need to integrate traditional methods into national healthcare, ensuring access for economically disadvantaged sections.
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud advocates for Ayurveda and holistic health, sharing his personal journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, the need for equity in healthcare access, and the role of research in validating Ayurvedic practices to address modern health challenges and improve overall well-being.
