Indian systems of medicine not feasible for AFMS: Manohar Parrikar

NEW DELHI: The government today said Ayurveda treatment was not approved as a mode of treatment for defence services personnel and integration of entire complement of Indian systems of medicine with Armed Forces Medical Services was not feasible.

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said AFMS are responsible for providing preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative medical care to its clientele.

"The system is based on allopathic system of medicine," he said, while replying to a question about fresh steps being taken by the government to integrate Ayurvedic and Indian systems of medicine in armed forces.

The Minister said combat medical and surgical requirement are the pivot on which structure of AFMS revolves.

"There are specific requirements to handle the emergencies in modern medicare such as myocardial infraction, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, intestinal obstruction, head injuries, polytrauma, renal failure etc which can best be taken care by allopathic physicians and surgeons," he said.

He said that integration of entire complement of Indian systems of medicine with Armed Forces Medical Services was not feasible considering the role of AFMS in combat settings.