The Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a significant policy change for Ayurveda and Unani doctors in India. Starting from March 1, 2025, credit points will be mandatory for the renewal of their professional registration. This new rule ensures that doctors in traditional medicine continuously upgrade their knowledge and stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.
This move aims to integrate modern research, updated medical knowledge, and new advancements into traditional healthcare systems, ensuring better patient care and professional growth for Ayurveda and Unani practitioners.
What Does This Rule Mean for Ayurveda & Unani Doctors?
Previously, Ayurveda and Unani doctors could renew their registration without any additional requirements. However, under the new system, they must earn credit points through continuous learning and professional development activities. These credit points will be accumulated over five years, and failing to obtain the required points may result in the denial of registration renewal.
The government has made it clear that this credit-based renewal system will help standardize the quality of education, research, and practice in traditional medicine, bringing it in line with modern healthcare systems.
How Many Credit Points Are Required?
Doctors will need to earn 50 credit points over a five-year period to qualify for registration renewal. The breakdown is as follows:
| Renewal Period | Required Credit Points |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 | 10 Points |
| March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 | 20 Points |
| March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2028 | 30 Points |
| March 1, 2028 – February 28, 2029 | 40 Points |
| March 1, 2029 – February 28, 2030 | 50 Points |
Thus, by March 2029, all doctors must have at least 50 points in their records to be eligible for renewal.
How Can Doctors Earn Credit Points?
The government has outlined several ways for doctors to earn credit points:
1. Attending Workshops & Conferences
- Participating in scientific seminars, training programs, and workshops will help doctors earn credit points.
- National conferences will provide 5-10 points depending on their duration.
- International conferences will give higher points.
2. Publishing Medical Research & Studies
- Doctors who publish medical research articles in recognized scientific journals will be awarded 10-50 points based on the journal’s impact and authenticity.
- Writing a book on medicine will also provide credit points.
3. Registering Patents
- Doctors who register patents related to Ayurveda or Unani medical research and innovation will receive 50 points per patent.
4. Teaching & Guest Lectures
- Conducting guest lectures in medical colleges and teaching medical students will earn doctors additional credit points.
- Delivering keynote addresses at conferences will also count toward credit accumulation.
5. Online Learning & Webinars
- With the rise of digital learning, online courses, webinars, and virtual medical discussions will also provide credit points.
- Participating in a 60-minute online medical webinar can offer 5-10 points.
6. Medical Book Contributions
- Contributing a chapter in a medical textbook will also provide 10-50 points, depending on its significance.
What Happens If a Doctor Fails to Earn the Required Points?
Doctors who fail to accumulate the required 50 points in five years will not be eligible for registration renewal. This means:
🚨 They will not be allowed to continue practicing legally.
🚨 They may have to take additional courses or attend extra workshops to earn points.
🚨 Their professional career might face disruptions.
Thus, it is essential for Ayurveda and Unani practitioners to start earning credit points well in advance.
Why Has the Government Introduced This Rule?
The Ministry of AYUSH believes that the constant evolution of medical science requires doctors in traditional medicine to stay updated. Some of the main reasons for implementing this rule include:
✔ Enhancing Knowledge & Skills: Doctors will be encouraged to continuously improve their expertise through learning and research.
✔ Improving Patient Care: With updated knowledge, doctors can offer better treatment and use modern research in their practice.
✔ Aligning Ayurveda & Unani with Modern Medicine: This system will bring traditional medicine closer to modern healthcare standards, making it more reliable and research-driven.
✔ Encouraging Research & Innovation: Doctors will be motivated to publish papers, register patents, and contribute to scientific discussions.
How Will This Affect Ayurveda & Unani Practitioners?
For some doctors, this may seem like an additional burden. However, it is a progressive step toward making traditional medicine more credible, standardized, and research-based.
Here’s what this means for doctors:
🔹 They will need to participate in regular workshops and research activities.
🔹 They must maintain an active learning approach to keep their registration valid.
🔹 Those who embrace the change will have a stronger professional reputation in the medical community.
This credit-based renewal system will ensure that Ayurveda and Unani medicine continues to evolve and remains relevant in today’s fast-changing healthcare environment.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Professional Growth & Better Healthcare
The new credit points system introduced by the Ministry of AYUSH is a major reform in traditional medicine. By making continuous education and research mandatory, the government is ensuring that Ayurveda and Unani doctors remain updated and provide the best possible healthcare to their patients.
If you are an Ayurveda or Unani doctor, it’s time to start earning your credit points now! Stay ahead, stay informed, and secure your professional future.
