The Kerala-based Consortium of Self-Financing Ayurveda Institutions (KISMA) has voiced unease regarding the updated regulations set by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). These revisions aim to oversee and standardize the essential criteria for academic institutions and affiliated hospitals nationwide. The revised requirements took effect on May 1, 2024.
KISMA argues that the NCISM established the new Minimum Standards and Requirements (MSR) without substantial dialogue with relevant parties, opting instead to heed the advice of select Ayurveda scholars from specific institutions. Despite making the draft publicly accessible for feedback, there was no widespread communication to engage stakeholders, the association claims.
The association also argues that the NCISM’s demands for advanced technological amenities in all Ayush colleges and hospitals require substantial financial investment from the management. They point out that no self-financing Ayurveda, Unani, or Siddha college in Kerala is currently profitable and most are struggling to survive. Over the past three academic years, these colleges have also failed to fill their Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine (BAM) course seats entirely.
Commenting on the replacement of the 2016 MSR with the new regulations, KISMA indicated that the changes adversely impact the already functioning institutions, adding layers of operational complexities for the college administrations. Having shared their concerns in writing with the NCISM’s chairman, they are anticipating a beneficial response. An association spokesperson told Pharmabiz that institutions in Kerala cannot meet the guidelines, including those related to staffing levels, infrastructural expansion, land acquisition, and salary increments for both teaching and non-teaching personnel.
He mentioned that the policies mandate an increase in teaching staff numbers even though the student population remains unchanged, alongside a 40% rise in non-teaching staff. The council expects a 20% surge in teaching personnel at every existing college.
Furthermore, the outpatient department spaces and classrooms must be expanded, laboratories equipped with top-tier instruments, and proficient IT personnel hired for technical departments. These upgrades are suggested to ensure that Ayush educational institutions align with global standards akin to conventional medicine schools, posing financial challenges for these institutions.
Highlighting the council’s insistence on high-tech facilities, he discussed the mandatory installation of surveillance cameras in areas like biometric attendance zones, classrooms, libraries, skill labs, exam halls, and various hospital sections. These cameras should provide detailed visibility and record day and night footage.
Moreover, classrooms should integrate information-communication technology, utilizing smart boards, audiovisual equipment, internet, or Wi-Fi access, and come under CCTV surveillance capable of identifying students on zoom.
Kerala houses 17 Ayurveda colleges, including three government-run ones located in Thiruvananthapuram, Thripunithura, and Kannur. Excluding the two aided colleges, Kottakkal and Vaidyaratnam, the remaining 12 are private institutions offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Ayurveda (BAM and MD).
A senior college association official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Pharmabiz, revealed enrollment challenges over the past three years, with around 40% of total available seats left empty. They remain optimistic this year, thanks to the NCISM lowering the NEET cutoff percentile, enabling institutions to admit more students. The final allotment is expected this week, marking potential for full admissions this year.
Despite relief at the new minimum cutoff dropping to 149 from 164, colleges are still struggling to fully comply with the fresh MSR guidelines, which were published on May 1. A report addressing any non-compliance must be submitted by December 31, ahead of the NCISM commencements of inspections in January. Managements are apprehensive about whether they will endure the rigorous national council evaluations.