National Acupuncture Conference Calls For Independent Recognition Of Acupuncture In India

Jul14,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Ludhiana

Distinguished Attendance: Dr. Inderjit Singh at the Conference

Ludhiana: Leading acupuncture experts, healthcare professionals, and policymakers from across India gathered for the two-day First National Acupuncture Conference, organized by the Maharashtra Acupuncture Council, Mumbai, and hosted by Ayushmans Acupuncture College, Nagpur. The conference witnessed the presentation of 27 scientific research papers by eminent experts and focused on the expanding role of acupuncture in healthcare, drug de-addiction, and the need to recognize acupuncture as an independent system of medicine in India.

More than 700 delegates from across the country participated in the conference, making it one of the largest gatherings of acupuncture professionals ever held in India.

Special Recognition for Dr. Inderjit Singh

Dr. Inderjit Singh, Director of Dr. Kotnis Acupuncture Hospital and Medical College and Executive Member of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), was one of the keynote speakers at the conference.

Drawing upon nearly 50 years of experience, Dr. Singh highlighted the alarming rise in drug addiction among youth, particularly in states such as Punjab and Maharashtra. He emphasized that acupuncture can play a significant role in helping individuals overcome addiction while improving their overall physical and mental well-being.

He also referred to discussions held during a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting in Geneva, where the importance of promoting acupuncture as an effective healthcare intervention for improving public health was emphasized.

Chief Minister's Vision for Acupuncture

One of the major highlights of the conference was the address delivered by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who shared his personal experience with acupuncture.

He revealed that several years ago he suffered from severe back pain, and while conventional treatment suggested surgery, acupuncture provided him with significant relief within just ten days. He further shared that he had recently recovered from frozen shoulder after receiving acupuncture treatment from Dr. Rumi Bairamji, Chairperson of the Maharashtra Acupuncture Council.

Calling acupuncture an effective and reliable treatment system, the Chief Minister assured his government's full support for its promotion across Maharashtra. He also expressed his commitment to expanding acupuncture education and strengthening the state's existing network of diploma colleges.

Shri Fadnavis further stated that, if required, he would personally meet Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda and Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to advocate for granting acupuncture independent status in India, using the Maharashtra model as an example. He added that recognizing acupuncture as an independent healthcare system would strengthen India's healthcare framework and help fulfil the Prime Minister's vision of a healthier nation.

Appeal for Independent Recognition

Dr. Raman Kapoor and Dr. Inderjit Singh thanked the Chief Minister for his support and reiterated that acupuncture is already recognized as an independent system of medicine in more than 139 countries.

They appealed to the Government of India to grant acupuncture similar independent recognition instead of continuing to classify it under the Allied Healthcare category.

Organizers Highlight Social Impact

The conference also highlighted the growing social impact of acupuncture education.

Dr. Rumi Bairamji pointed out that nearly 60–70% of students enrolled in acupuncture courses are women, many of whom belong to rural areas. She said that acupuncture education is not only creating employment opportunities but is also contributing significantly to women's empowerment and improving healthcare services in rural India.

Experts at the conference unanimously agreed that acupuncture has immense potential in pain management, rehabilitation, mental well-being, and drug de-addiction. They collectively urged the Central Government to recognize acupuncture as an independent healthcare system, stating that such recognition would strengthen India's healthcare services and benefit millions of people across the country.

Notable Attendees

The conference was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Narayan Nawale (Registrar), Shri Sumant Ghaifas (Head HQ Incharge, BJP Maharashtra), Dr. Raman Kapur (Delhi), Anish Gupta (Kota), Dr. Mirgandra Gantait, Dr. Bhaskar, Dr. D. Bakshi (Calcutta), Dr. Nilesh Patel (Indore), Dr. Sandeep Chopra (Delhi), Dr. C. Pardesi, Shri Mayank Shah, Dr. Nilima Thakkar, Dr. Rama Kant (Mumbai), and Dr. Trideep Guha.

The conference concluded with a united call for the Government of India to recognize acupuncture as an independent system of medicine, emphasizing that such recognition is essential to expand access to safe, effective, and affordable healthcare for millions of people across the country.

National-Acupuncture-Conference-Calls-For-Independent-Recognition-Of-Acupuncture-In-India