The Andhra Pradesh branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav's decision approving trained Ayurvedic doctors to perform certain surgeries independently. The Minister gave his nod on December 23, 2025, to Ayurvedic doctors who completed postgraduate surgical courses, describing it as a step to integrate traditional Indian medicine with modern methods. However, the IMA called this move misleading and against scientific principles. In a press note, they said surgeries need rigorous training that only MBBS and postgraduate surgical courses (MS/MCh) under the National Medical Commission (NMC) provide. "Surgery is not just a technical skill but a complex discipline requiring in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, perioperative critical care, anaesthesia, and complication management," the IMA explained. They warned that allowing cross-practice without equivalent training is neither evidence-based nor ethical. The IMA also pointed out the legal issue that permits for Ayurvedic doctors to do surgeries are currently under Supreme Court review, with a hearing set for January 8, 2026. The association warned such policy decisions while the matter is sub judice amount to prejudging the case. The IMA requested the Minister to withdraw the approval and not make policy moves that violate laws or court proceedings. They said if the issue is ignored, they will take all democratic and legal steps at state and national levels to protect patient safety and medical standards.