Gangtok, July 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Sikkim Legislative Assembly has passed the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a statutory State Council to regulate practitioners of traditional systems of medicine and strengthen the AYUSH sector in the Himalayan state, officials said on Wednesday.
The Bill, passed during the Budget Session 2026‑27 of the Assembly, seeks to establish the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine in line with the provisions of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020.
The proposed Council will serve as the statutory regulatory body for practitioners of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy, collectively known as AYUSH.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the legislation, Sikkim currently lacks a statutory mechanism to regulate the registration, professional conduct and practice of AYUSH practitioners, making the creation of a dedicated Medical Council essential.
The legislation empowers the Council to register and renew qualified practitioners, enforce professional ethics and standards, initiate disciplinary proceedings where necessary, inspect and recognise educational institutions, maintain academic standards and qualifying examinations, and regulate AYUSH medical colleges in accordance with the central law.
The Bill also authorises the Central and State governments to provide grants to the Council for carrying out its statutory functions. While the financial implications are yet to be determined, the government said the expenditure for establishing the Council would be met through future budgetary allocations, without imposing any immediate recurring or non‑recurring burden on the State’s Consolidated Fund.
Speaking to reporters, MLA G.T. Dhungel described the legislation as a significant milestone in strengthening the institutional framework for AYUSH in Sikkim.
He said the establishment of the Council was the logical next step after the creation of the State AYUSH Department, adding that while the department formulates policies and implements programmes, a statutory regulator is essential to maintain a register of qualified practitioners, ensure ethical practice, oversee professional standards and promote quality education.
Dhungel said the legislation would also create new educational and employment opportunities for young people by expanding professional avenues in traditional systems of medicine.
He said the Council would help facilitate the establishment of medical institutions, colleges and wellness centres across the state, leading to the long‑term growth of the AYUSH sector.
The legislator added that traditional systems of medicine, including naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa, have long been valued for their holistic approach to healthcare and, with a robust regulatory framework in place, are expected to play an increasingly important role in Sikkim’s healthcare delivery system.
Source: IANS
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