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.
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. He said the Bill lays the institutional foundation for the future growth of AYUSH in Sikkim, creating new career opportunities for young people by opening avenues for professional education and employment in traditional systems of medicine. Dhungel highlighted the benefits of traditional medicine, saying AYUSH therapies are largely based on natural and traditional healing systems that have been practised for generations.
He added that naturopathy and other traditional healing practices would also come under the ambit of the AYUSH framework. 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. Dhungel said that with time, people will better understand the benefits of these systems, and as more institutions and treatment facilities are established, AYUSH will play an increasingly important role in providing holistic healthcare to the people of Sikkim.
