Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav has approved Ayurvedic doctors with postgraduate training in surgery to perform operations independently. This key move aims to blend traditional Indian medicine with modern treatment methods. As per the Minister’s approval on December 23, Ayurvedic students trained in Shalya Tantra (general surgery) and Shalakya Tantra (head and neck diseases) can now independently carry out 39 and 19 surgical procedures respectively. The decision follows the Indian Medicine Central Council (Post Graduate Ayurveda Education) Amendment Regulations, 2020, and guidelines from the National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine. These rules say postgraduate scholars must be properly trained to perform surgeries independently after completing their studies. The permitted surgeries include treating infectious diseases, removing damaged tissues, wound care, treatment of piles and anal fissures, cyst and cataract removal, tumor operations, muscle treatments, and skin grafts. Post approval, the Minister discussed the next steps with the AYUSH Department Director K. Dinesh Kumar and other officials. Currently, Andhra Pradesh has one government Ayurvedic college in Vijayawada and two private ones. The Minister urged the immediate start of postgraduate courses in Shalya Tantra and Shalakya Tantra at the Vijayawada college, ensuring quality education. He also stressed the need for fully equipped operation theatres and surgical gear. Expressing satisfaction with the decision, the Minister said, "I hope it will integrate ancient Indian medical practices with the modern methods." This marks a new chapter for Ayurvedic surgical education and practice in the state.