Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery


Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is a professional degree in medicine focused on Ayurveda offered in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.
It is awarded after the study of five and a half years duration, including 1-year internship. A BAMS graduate is allowed to provide medical treatment in some states of India and Sri Lanka after registering oneself at the government-approved licensing body.
Ayurveda is considered to be ancient wisdom by the mainstream scientific community and is a type of complementary or alternative medicine.

India

In India, there are more than 394 colleges that offer B.A.M.S degree.
The curriculum includes studying and teaching of along with corresponding Ayurvedic subjects such as Rachana Sharira, Kriya Sharira, Dravyuaguna, Svasthavritta and Yoga, Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vijnana, Kaya Chikitsa, Kaumara Bhritya, Prasuti Tantra, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra etc. along with human anatomy, physiology, pathology & diagnostic procedures, principles of medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, forensic medicine, E.N.T, gynecology & obstetrics, ophthalmology and principles of surgery from modern medicine. The syllabus also includes ancient and medieval classics, sometimes in Sanskrit language.

Permission to practice modern medicine

BAMS graduates have been permitted to practice modern medicine in the state of Maharashtra. In the state of Karnataka, BAMS doctors appointed in primary health centres in rural areas can practice modern-medicine in case of "emergencies".

Career

After the completion of BAMS degree, one can either continue general practice or pursue higher studies & MS or perform research. There are also opportunities to work in hospital and healthcare administration and health supervision.
Outside certain South Asian countries, Ayurveda is not integrated with the national health system, and is therefore punishable by law to practice it unless, in some cases, the practitioner also holds the license to prescribe modern medicine.