Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in India

In India, presently the recognition of acupuncture is under the active consideration of the government. The West Bengal government has already recognized acupuncture in their state. Research projects on acupuncture have been financed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at the Ranjit Memorial Acupuncture Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal.

QUESTION� Is Acupunture legally recognized by the government? Is there any council like IMA in the case of acupuncture?

ANSWER� Acupuncture is recognised in the sense that acupuncture clinics are functioning in some reputed government hospitals. IMA is not a council. IMA means Indian Medical Association. I do not think there is a statutory regulatory council for acupuncture on the lines of the Indian Medical Council.

QUESTION� What is the status of the Bachelor�s course on Physiotherapy through distance learning offered by the Indian board of alternative medicines (CALCUTTA)? They promise that those who complete their BPT course can put Dr. in front of their initials. Is that true? Is that possible?

ANSWER� A perusal of the web site of the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicines, affiliated to the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, suggests that apparently, the IBAM has not been established under any specific statute, nor it has any recognition by any statutory regulatory body. It appears to be a private concern without any valid claim to legally acceptable academic recognition or credentials essential for an institution awarding academic degrees. Professional courses cannot be taught by distance learning. A bachelor cannot call himself a doctor. There is an exception in case of bachelors of medicine from any recognised system because a physician is entitled to the prefix of doctor. Physiotherapy is not a system of medicine. Hence a BPT cannot be called a doctor.