AYUSH Dept Warns Unregistered Hakeems in North Kashmir: Legal Action Looms Over Unauthorized Practices

UMAR RASHID

The AYUSH department has initiated a strict crackdown on unregistered Hakeems who have been operating as Unani and Ayurvedic doctors across North Kashmir. Recent inspections in Baramulla uncovered several unauthorized practitioners running clinics without proper certification, endangering public health.

During the inspections, officials warned these practitioners to immediately cease their illegal operations or face strict legal consequences. A senior AYUSH official remarked, “We are committed to stopping these unlawful practices. Those found violating the law will be dealt with severely to protect public health and uphold the credibility of traditional medicine.”

The crackdown comes in response to widespread complaints about unqualified Hakeems exploiting the system. Citizens have called for stricter regulations to ensure only qualified individuals can practice, while highlighting the plight of unemployed Unani and Ayurvedic graduates. Public health advocates are urging the authorities to maintain the momentum and bring lasting reforms to the field.

Many unregistered Hakeems are reportedly running clinics in North Kashmir, posing as certified Unani and Ayurvedic doctors. Many of these practitioners lack the necessary qualifications but have established large-scale operations, exploiting the public’s trust in traditional medicine.

During the inspections, AYUSH officials discovered several instances where unqualified Hakeems were dispensing medicines and offering treatments without proper certifications. A senior official stated, “These unregistered practitioners are jeopardizing public health. They have been warned to close their operations immediately, failing which strict legal action will be initiated.”

The issue has been linked to alleged lapses in the AYUSH department's certification processes before 2019. Under Article 16 2(A) of AYUSH law, individuals with 10 years of experience as Hakeems and a basic education could obtain Hikmat certifications. However, this provision has been misused by many who now present themselves as Unani and Ayurvedic doctors without adequate training or expertise.

This malpractice has had a severe impact on qualified graduates of Unani and Ayurvedic medicine. Many young professionals, despite earning degrees in these fields, remain unemployed as unqualified individuals dominate the profession.

Umar Rashid, a resident of Kanispora, Baramulla, expressed his concerns, saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see how unqualified Hakeems and even religious figures like Molvis and Imams are running clinics, while qualified graduates struggle to find opportunities. This exploitation must end.”