ABSTRACT
Not divergently but unified only prevalent pathies of medicine viz. allopathy, Ayurveda, unani, siddha, sowa-rigpa etc. can effectively meet the challenges which we face today in our healthcare delivery system in the country by making the system more accessible and affordable. From human resources shortage to low cost infrastructure and medicines, given less government spending, we can make it through mainstreaming of the traditional systems of Medicine by totally incorporating them into modern medicine or vice versa. And that could be possible through empowering Indian System of Medicine doctors legally by giving them all rights and opportunities which are available to allopathic doctors in the country in addition to their relevant teaching and training. This would be done by bringing legislative amendments in pertaining Acts and laws of the land; which could be a part of plan to step up mainstreaming. And for that the MTP Act, PC & PNDT Act, Factory Act, Indian Medical Degrees Act, Insurance and Reimbursement Act, CCIM Act of 1970 and MCI Act all need central legislative amendments. This would also facilitate research and development in ISM by resolving certain outstanding ethical issues. Here a review has been made on the basis of literature with an objective of optimal utilisation of ISM doctors to strengthen the public health care delivery system and to meet various challenges. This needs kind attention of Ministers, political leaders, policymakers and bureaucrats.
KEYWORDS: Healthcare challenges, Traditional Indian Systems of Medicine, Mainstreaming, Central Acts and Amendments.