168 professors needed in Ayush department

Hyderabad: The paucity of professors in teaching colleges of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush), is a major cause for concern and the bifurcation has only aggravated it. The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana  State are unable  to resolve  the issues plaguing Ayush.

With 100 posts vacant in Homoeopathy and Unani streams, 43 posts vacant  in Ayurveda and 25 posts vacant in Siddha, Ayush is facing a major challenge  this academic year.

Dr K.P. Vasuki, commissioner of Ayush for AP, said, “This problem has arisen due to lack of funds and  excessive litigation, which have stalled the process of promotions. As a result of this most of the vacant posts have not been filled and professors are being appointed on contract basis.”

The problem has worsened due to the bifurcation. Dr Mallu Prasad, member, Central Council of Indian Medicine, said, “The problem needs to be resolved as the Council has warned of cancellation of seats. The government fails to understand that the vacancies are affecting the quality of teaching.”

Similar complaints have been echoed by three other streams, as the alternative medicines are finding it difficult to survive. A senior doctor from the Unani stream said, “Due to poor teaching, patients suffer from improper treatment leading to their  confidence dwindling in the stream.”

Since the last three years, all streams have been constantly approaching the government and  requesting the Ayush department to sort out the mess.

Dr Veena Kumari who has recently taken additional charge of Ayush in Telangana, said, “The problems have compounded over the years. A list has been prepared, the government has to take a call now.”