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IAMF Urges Central Regulation of Yoga, Naturopathy

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 8:30 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, February 20, 2026 - The Indian Association of Medical Professionals (IAMF) today renewed its fervent appeal to the Indian government for the immediate implementation of central statutory regulation encompassing Yoga, Naturopathy, and the Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) courses. The IAMF's call, made during a press conference this afternoon, frames the issue not just as one of professional standards, but as a critical public health concern and a matter of academic justice.

The core of the IAMF's argument rests on the current fragmented landscape of integrative medicine education and practice within India. Currently, regulation - or the lack thereof - falls largely to individual states, creating a patchwork of standards that the IAMF contends undermines the efficacy and safety of these increasingly popular healthcare modalities. Variations in curriculum design, the qualifications required of faculty, and the rigor of assessment procedures are cited as key areas of concern.

"We are seeing a disturbing trend of inconsistent training leading to a range of practitioner skill levels. This isn't about denigrating the inherent value of Yoga and Naturopathy, but about ensuring that those who seek treatment from BNYS graduates and practitioners receive care grounded in robust, standardized education," explained Dr. Anya Sharma, IAMF President and lead advocate for the regulatory framework. "Patients are vulnerable, and the absence of a unified, nationally recognized standard exposes them to potentially substandard care and misdiagnosis."

The IAMF envisions a central regulatory body - tentatively named the 'National Commission for Integrative Medical Sciences' (NCIMS) - vested with the authority to establish and enforce uniform standards across all institutions offering BNYS degrees and for practitioners offering Yoga and Naturopathic treatments. This commission would be responsible for accreditation of colleges, curriculum development, defining minimum qualification criteria for faculty, and overseeing a standardized licensing and continuing education process for practitioners.

The proposal isn't solely focused on controlling the supply of practitioners; it also addresses the quality of education. Dr. Sharma emphasized the need for rigorous, evidence-based curricula that integrate modern medical knowledge with traditional practices. "It's not enough to simply teach ancient techniques. Practitioners need to understand anatomy, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic procedures to effectively and safely integrate these modalities into a comprehensive healthcare plan," she stated. The IAMF specifically advocates for the inclusion of mandatory clinical rotations in established hospitals and healthcare facilities, allowing BNYS students to gain practical experience under the supervision of qualified medical professionals.

The IAMF acknowledges the sensitive nature of regulating traditional medical systems. They stress their commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and philosophical foundations of Yoga and Naturopathy while simultaneously ensuring their integration into a modern, scientifically validated healthcare system. They point to successful models in other countries, such as Germany and Canada, where Naturopathy is regulated and integrated into the mainstream healthcare landscape.

The call for regulation comes at a time of growing global interest in alternative and complementary medicine. India, as the birthplace of Yoga and a hub for Naturopathic practice, is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the field - but only if it addresses the current inconsistencies and prioritizes patient safety. Critics of the IAMF's proposal raise concerns about potential bureaucratic hurdles and the risk of stifling innovation within these disciplines. However, IAMF representatives argue that well-designed regulation will foster innovation by creating a level playing field and promoting research and development.

The IAMF plans to submit a detailed regulatory framework proposal to the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) within the next month, accompanied by a petition signed by thousands of medical professionals and concerned citizens. They are also actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to build consensus and expedite the implementation of this critical regulatory framework.