Gangtok: 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 state.
The Bill was passed on July 21 during the Budget Session 2026-27 of the Assembly. It seeks to establish the Sikkim Medical Council for Indian System of Medicine and streamline the regulation of the Indian System of Medicine in accordance with the provisions of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.
The Indian System of Medicine comprises Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy, collectively forming the AYUSH framework.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill, Sikkim currently has no statutory mechanism to regulate the registration, professional conduct and practice of practitioners of these systems, making the establishment of a State Medical Council necessary.
The legislation provides for the registration and renewal of qualified practitioners, regulation of professional standards and ethics, disciplinary action where required, recognition and inspection of institutions, maintenance of educational standards and qualifying examinations, and regulation of medical colleges in accordance with the provisions of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.
The Bill also provides that the Central or State Government may extend grants to the Council to enable it to discharge its functions. The expenditure for establishing the Council will be met through future budgetary allocations by the Finance Department once the body is constituted.
The financial implications cannot be quantified at present as the organisational structure, staffing pattern and operational requirements are yet to be determined. Apart from this, the legislation is not expected to involve any additional recurring or non-recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
Speaking to the media on July 22, MLA GT Dhungel described the establishment of the Medical Council as the logical next step after the creation of the AYUSH Department.
“The department can formulate policies and implement programmes, but a statutory Medical Council is essential to regulate the profession, maintain a register of qualified practitioners, oversee professional ethics, support quality education and ensure standards of practice. Without such an institution, the growth of the AYUSH sector would remain limited,” he said.
Dhungel said the Bill lays the institutional foundation for the future growth of AYUSH in Sikkim.
“Strong institutions create strong systems. This Bill is about building a credible, accountable and future-ready AYUSH ecosystem for the people,” he said.
Explaining the concept of AYUSH, he said it represents Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, while noting that Sowa Rigpa is also a recognised Indian System of Medicine covered under the legislation.
He said the legislation would create new career opportunities for young people by opening avenues for professional education and employment in traditional systems of medicine.
“At a time when many young people are searching for employment, this opens up another avenue for students to pursue professional studies in AYUSH and build careers in the field,” he said.
Highlighting the benefits of traditional medicine, Dhungel said AYUSH therapies are largely based on natural and traditional healing systems that have been practised for generations.
“Our elders have long spoken about the effectiveness of these medicines. In many cases, they offer treatment with fewer side effects than conventional medicine and can provide holistic and safe healthcare,” he said.
He added that naturopathy and other traditional healing practices would also come under the ambit of the AYUSH framework.
Referring to his own observations, Dhungel said several people had reported positive outcomes from AYUSH-based therapies for certain ailments and encouraged greater awareness of traditional systems of medicine.
He further said that with the establishment of the Medical Council and the expansion of medical institutions, colleges and government wellness centres, the AYUSH sector in Sikkim is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.
“With time, people will better understand the benefits of these systems. As more institutions and treatment facilities are established, AYUSH will play an increasingly important role in providing holistic healthcare to the people of Sikkim,” he added.
Also Read: My daughter, my city, and a protest a thousand miles from Jantar Mantar