BAMS interns on strike,slam new internship pattern

The interns have appealed to their counterparts to support their cause and protest against the new pattern,and formed Maharsahtra State Ayurvedic Interns Action Committee 2011-12.

“Last week the authorities assured that a positive decision would be taken in our case. There is a meeting scheduled on February 14 between the authorities of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences and members of the Central Cuncil of Indian Medicine (CCIM). We will report to work only if the new internship pattern is changed,” said Dr Rohit Petkar from Manjra Ayurvedic college,Latur.

The students studying ayruvedic medicine allege that the ancient science of Ayurveda is being given a step-motherly treatment by the government. “ The ministry should have consulted with all the stakeholders. The government is always unfair to students of Unani and Ayurveda. If Rs 100 crore is sanctioned for medical stream,hardly Rs 3 crore would be given to Unani and Ayurveda,” said Ajay Awchat,an intern from Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Ayurvedic College in Aurangabad.

Vice-president of CCIM Dr Jayaprakash Narayan said if we wanted any changes at this stage,consultation with experts,council members and the health ministry would be required. “The notification for introducing the new pattern was published in the government gazette.So the changes cannot be made soon.”