Thiruvananthapuram: The
Indian Medical Association (IMA) unit in Kerala has raised concerns after some
political parties reportedly included support for “mixopathy” in their
manifestos ahead of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.Also Read:IMA Kerala raises concern over Clinical Establishments Act, small hospitals at riskThe association said that
endorsing mixopathy contradicts the spirit of World Health Day 2026, which is
being observed under the theme “Unite for Health, Stand with Science.” According to the IMA, the
theme emphasises the importance of scientific evidence and evidence-based medical
practice in healthcare. The IMA noted that while World Health Day highlights
the need for science-based treatment approaches, the promotion of mixopathy
runs counter to this message.
Speaking to Medical
Dialogues, Dr. N. Sulphi, the convener of the Indian Medical Association’s national action committee and the former
president of IMA Kerala, stated, “It takes years of research and clinical trials
to decide on any form of modern medication. There are some standards that the
doctors should follow to ensure patient safety and treatment. Mixing modern
medication techniques with Ayush and traditional medicine is highly risky and
compromises patient safety. In China, some people are also mixing traditional
Acupuncture with modern medicines, but such experiments never bear good
outcomes.”
The doctor also pointed
out that Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution places importance on developing
a scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry in every human being.
Hence, promoting mixopathy does not support the spirit of the Constitution. Applying
two systems of medicine without any scientific explanation is dangerous. Before
making any policy decision or making any comment on a political manifesto, one
must first determine if that is in the best interest of the patient.Also Read:1,306 clinics shut, as private hospitals rise in Kerala; IMA expresses concern“One must protect
scientific integrity in healthcare. I am not against promoting traditional
means of treatment like Ayush. However, it must not be mixed with allopathy.
Both mediums of treatment could not be more different, and mixing them, without
any scientific proof of their efficiency, is too much of a risk. The IMA will
stand against any such step that occurs without scientific evidence and compromises
patient safety. Using such phrases in a political party’s manifesto is shocking,”
Dr. N. Sulphi further stated.