The Hindu Business Line : Lack of scientific evidence puts Ayurveda in disadvantageous position

NEW YORK: Lack of scientific evidence in the system of Ayurvedic medicine makes it difficult for the institution to be practised in the US, given the strong malpractice law in the country, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) ha s said.

When a medicine is prescribed, the practitioner has to have some back up studies for his decision especially in view of strong malpractice law in the United States, Dr Hemantkumar Patel, President, AAPI said here.

"You just cannot go by anecdotal evidence," he added. That is what happens in the allopathic system where the practitioner has studies to back up his decision to prescribe a particular drug to a patient.

Unless the same could be done for Ayurvedic system, the practitioners could be slapped with malpractice suits if a case goes wrong, Mr Patel explained.

No such studies are available in the Ayurvedic system, Mr Patel said, stressing that this is the reason it cannot be practiced in the US, its effectiveness notwithstanding.

Announcing a three-day annual convention of AAPI to be held from June 25 at Las Vegas, Mr Patel also said that Indian Health Minister Mr A Ramadoss would be the keynote speaker at the event.

The meet, which is expected to be attended by about 2,500 of its 42,000 members, will discuss, among other things, how the organisation can more effectively participate and help in the improvement of the healthcare system in India.

It will also discuss the changes needed in the US healthcare system as any change would affect the physicians of Indian origin as much as others, he said addressing a press conference at the Indian Consulate here yesterday. - PTI

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