Tripura TSMC’s Role in Regulating Alternative Medicine (AYUSH) in Tripura

The Tripura State Medical Council (TSMC) plays an important role in monitoring and guiding the use of alternative medicine practices under AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) in Tripura. Alternative medicine is widely accepted in many parts of India, including Tripura, and TSMC ensures that these practices are followed legally and ethically. Regulation, licensing, quality control, and awareness are among the council’s key areas of responsibility.

Overview of AYUSH in Tripura

• AYUSH System refers to a group of traditional medical practices.
• Tripura has a significant population that relies on AYUSH for healthcare.
• Government support helps in the expansion of AYUSH services across the state.
• Public awareness of AYUSH has grown due to state and central government efforts.
• TSMC’s involvement ensures proper regulation and promotion of qualified practitioners.

Key Functions of TSMC in Regulating AYUSH

Function	Details
Registration of Practitioners	TSMC registers AYUSH practitioners to ensure legal and professional conduct.
License Issuance	A License is granted after verification of educational qualifications.
Monitoring Clinics and Hospitals	Regular inspections are carried out to maintain safety and hygiene.
Verification of Degrees	Only recognized institutions’ degrees are accepted.
Disciplinary Action	Misconduct or malpractice is dealt with under medical council rules.
Updating AYUSH Database	TSMC maintains a real-time database of registered AYUSH professionals.

TSMC’s Collaborative Role with the AYUSH Department

• Coordinated efforts are made with the Tripura AYUSH Department.
• Awareness programs are jointly organized in rural and urban areas.
• Workshops and seminars help in training local health workers.
• Joint inspections are carried out to prevent unauthorized practices.
• Support for research in traditional medicine is encouraged by both bodies.

Educational Regulation and Recognition

Activity	TSMC’s Role
Approval of Colleges	TSMC helps in evaluating AYUSH colleges before government recognition.
Curriculum Review	Standards are checked to ensure alignment with national guidelines.
Internship Monitoring	Students are guided through proper clinical exposure under certified mentors.
Faculty Evaluation	Faculty qualifications and teaching skills are verified before appointments.
Recognition Renewal	Periodic reviews are conducted to renew the institute’s recognition.

Regulation of Ayurvedic Practice in Tripura

• Ayurvedic practitioners are required to register with TSMC.
• Clinical practices are reviewed periodically to ensure patient safety.
• Herbal medicine use is guided by quality standards.
• Workshops on modern techniques are offered to improve traditional practice.
• Illegal herbal clinics are shut down with legal support from the state health department.

Monitoring of Homoeopathy in Tripura

Responsibility	Action Taken by TSMC
Degree Verification	Only graduates from recognized universities are allowed to practice.
Homoeopathic Clinic Licensing	Licenses are provided after thorough site inspections.
Patient Record Maintenance	Clinics are instructed to maintain digital and physical records.
Complaint Handling	A dedicated team addresses patient and staff complaints in homoeopathy units.

Support for Naturopathy and Yoga

• Yoga instructors and naturopaths are registered through strict procedures.
• Public training camps are organized with certified trainers.
• Stress and mental health workshops use yoga as a tool.
• Village health programs include yoga in daily morning routines.
• Standardized training is promoted to avoid unsafe practices.

Handling Unani and Siddha Practices

Area	TSMC Measures
Training Center Oversight	Only certified training centers are allowed to operate in Tripura.
Medicine Storage Guidelines	Rules are issued for the safe storage of Unani and Siddha medicines.
Collaboration with Specialists	AYUSH specialists from other states are invited for guest lectures.
Patient Consent Practices	Full disclosure is required before starting treatment with Unani/Siddha methods.

Inspection and Legal Actions

• Field inspections are conducted in both private and government AYUSH centers.
• Fake degree holders are identified and penalized under the law.
• Unauthorized treatments are banned with immediate effect.
• Drug quality checks are performed regularly with the health department labs.
• Legal proceedings are initiated against repeat offenders and fraudulent healers.

TSMC’s Role in Promoting Public Trust

Activity	Objective
Health Fairs Participation	Promotes awareness of certified AYUSH treatment.
Information Booklets	Educates public on choosing registered practitioners.
Online Practitioner List	Public access is provided to a verified list of AYUSH doctors.
Complaint Redressal Cell	Ensures fast response to grievances from patients and practitioners.
Feedback Surveys	Helps understand public perception and improve services.

Digital Transformation Initiatives

• Digital registration of AYUSH professionals is implemented for better recordkeeping.
• E-inspection reports are uploaded for easy access and transparency.
• Telemedicine rules are under development for AYUSH online consultations.
• Awareness videos are circulated on social media through the council’s digital handles.
• Mobile app integration for AYUSH appointments and feedback is being tested.

Challenges Faced by TSMC in AYUSH Regulation

Challenge	Description
Rural Practitioner Monitoring	Limited connectivity makes rural inspections difficult.
Unregulated Training Institutes	Some institutions operate without official recognition.
Public Confusion	Difficulty in distinguishing between certified and uncertified practitioners.
Traditional Practices Misuse	Ancient methods are often misused without a scientific basis.
Staff Shortage	Limited human resources delay inspections and updates.

Future Plans and Improvements

• Mobile inspection units will be introduced to cover interior regions.
• Collaboration with national councils will be enhanced for better support.
• Real-time complaint tracking will be made available on the TSMC portal.
• Financial assistance schemes for rural AYUSH centers will be proposed.
• Scholarship programs for AYUSH students will be expanded.

Final Analysis

The Tripura State Medical Council (TSMC) continues to play a vital role in shaping the safe and ethical practice of AYUSH in the state. By maintaining high standards, ensuring qualified personnel, and promoting awareness, TSMC strengthens public trust in alternative medicine systems. As public interest in traditional healthcare grows, the council’s responsibilities are expanding to meet modern healthcare needs while preserving ancient knowledge.