Qualifications of Medical Professionals in India and Their Practice

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Written by: Ojas. P. Suresh

With a wide range of medical specialties, India has one of the largest healthcare systems in the world. Professional qualifications define the types of patients healthcare providers can treat, the scope of their work, and who is eligible to practice. Understanding these qualifications helps individuals better comprehend the training and expertise of physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals (Nanda, 2021).

For survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), knowing the credentials of healthcare providers is essential for selecting the right professional to meet their needs. While nurses often provide ongoing bedside care and emotional support, MBBS doctors can deliver comprehensive emergency care and medico-legal support. These qualifications indicate different competencies, enabling survivors to choose the most appropriate provider for medical treatment, mental health support, or medico-legal documentation. Awareness of healthcare credentials improves access to trauma-informed and survivor-centered services and helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty when navigating complex healthcare systems (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013; Campbell, 2008).

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or MBBS 

• Duration: 5.5 years (including internship)

• Recognition: National Medical Commission (NMC)

• Scope of Practice: MBBS graduates are trained in modern allopathic medicine and can practice in clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. They are qualified to conduct surgeries, prescribe medications, diagnose medical conditions, and pursue postgraduate degrees such as an MD or MS (Chopra & Arora, 2022).

For survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), MBBS physicians are often the first point of contact. To provide effective care, they must adopt trauma-informed practices, ensuring that services are safe, private, and nonjudgmental, while clearly explaining medical procedures. This approach helps survivors feel confident in continuing treatment and fosters trust in healthcare professionals (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013).

Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or BDS

• Duration: Five years (including internship)

• Recognition: Dental Council of India (DCI)

• Scope of Practice: Dentists focus on the treatment of gum and tooth diseases, dental surgery, and overall oral health. They may manage dental clinics, work in hospitals or medical facilities, or pursue further specializations in areas such as oral surgery, prosthodontics, or orthodontics (Singh, 2020).

  
  

Dentists may encounter physical signs of abuse, such as facial or dental injuries. BDS practitioners can play a crucial role in the early identification of gender-based violence (GBV) and in making appropriate referrals. By employing survivor-centered practices, including tactful questioning, discreet documentation, and respectful communication, dentists help ensure sensitive and effective care (Plichta & Falik, 2001).

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, or BAMS

• Duration: 5.5 years

• Recognition: Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)

• Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic practitioners are trained in the traditional Indian medical system known as Ayurveda. Graduates can prescribe Ayurvedic medications and treatments and may also use certain contemporary diagnostic instruments (Sharma, 2019).

Ayurvedic practitioners often serve communities that value traditional healing approaches. Implementing trauma-informed practices—such as respecting survivors’ cultural preferences and avoiding victim-blaming—helps create a supportive care environment. These practices provide comprehensive recovery pathways and complement contemporary medical approaches (Chaudhary & Singh, 2011).

Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, or BHMS

• Duration: 5.5 years

• Recognition: Central Council of Homoeopathy

• Scope of Practice: Homoeopathic practitioners follow the principle that “like cures like.” They use homoeopathic remedies and may work in hospitals that offer homoeopathy or establish their own clinics (Mehrotra, 2021).

Homoeopathic practitioners are well-positioned to support trauma survivors, as their practice often emphasizes mental and emotional well-being. Survivor-centered care in this context includes active listening, acknowledging emotional distress, and avoiding judgmental or dismissive behavior. These practices help strengthen the psychological resilience of survivors (Paterson, 2009).

Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery, or BUMS

• Duration: 5.5 years

• Recognition: Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)

• Scope of Practice: Unani practitioners are trained in the traditional Unani medical system, which emphasizes natural healing through lifestyle and nutrition. They provide natural therapies, herbal medicines, and guidance on lifestyle modifications (Khan & Rizvi, 2020).

Unani practitioners are often trusted within certain cultural communities, making them important points of contact for survivors who may be hesitant to seek allopathic care. By implementing trauma-informed practices, such as culturally sensitive communication and strict confidentiality, Unani practitioners help survivors feel safe, supported, and respected (Rashid, 2018).

Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, or BNYS 

• Duration: 4.5 years

• Recognition: AYUSH Ministry

• Scope of Practice: Graduates are trained in diet therapy, yoga, and natural healing techniques. They can practice yoga therapy and naturopathy in hospitals, wellness centers, or other healthcare settings (Patel, 2022).

Yoga and naturopathy emphasize holistic healing and can be particularly beneficial for survivors coping with stress, anxiety, or PTSD. Survivor-centered practices in this context include offering body-based therapies and mindfulness exercises at the survivor’s pace, without pressure, to help restore a sense of control and overall well-being (van der Kolk, 2014).

Qualifications for Nursing and Allied Health 

• India relies heavily on nurses and other allied health professionals in addition to physicians.

• B.Sc. Nursing: A four-year program that emphasizes patient care, hospital support, and health education.

• Physiotherapy (BPT): A 4.5-year program focused on improving mobility, rehabilitation, and physical functioning.

• Pharmacy (B.Pharm): A four-year program that trains graduates in drug research, dispensing medications, and pharmaceutical care (Chatterjee, 2021).

In hospital settings, nurses often provide immediate care to survivors. Trauma-informed nursing involves accurate medico-legal documentation, dignity-preserving interventions, and empathetic listening. This supportive approach helps survivors feel safe, encourages disclosure of violence, and fosters trust in healthcare providers (Campbell, 2008).

MBBS, BAMS, and Other Systems Comparison

The approach to care is where MBBS degrees differ most from other conventional programs, such as BAMS or BHMS.

• MBBS physicians: Employ evidence-based, scientifically supported procedures and treatments.

• Practitioners of BAMS, BHMS, or Unani: Use herbal, natural, or homoeopathic remedies in accordance with traditional medical systems.

Effect on patients: Because Ayurveda and homoeopathy often have fewer side effects, some patients prefer these approaches for emergencies or surgeries, while others choose them for managing chronic illnesses (Nagaraj, 2023).

During diagnostic or rehabilitative care, survivors may also interact with physiotherapists, lab technicians, and other allied health professionals. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014), survivor-centered practices include obtaining informed consent, minimizing anxiety by clearly explaining each step, and preventing re-traumatization through sensitive and tactful care.

For survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), being aware of a doctor’s credentials is particularly important. This ensures that they are consulting professionals who are trained not only in medical treatment but also in trauma-informed and survivor-centered care. Survivors feel safer and more empowered when they have confidence that the healthcare professional they are seeing possesses the necessary training. This reduces fear of mistreatment, retraumatization, or breaches of confidentiality (Arora et al., 2021; Prasad et al., 2024).

Clear qualifications also help prevent cross-practice errors and ensure accurate medico-legal documentation, which is often critical for protection and legal justice (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare [MoHFW], 2014).

India’s healthcare system is both rich in professional qualifications and highly diverse. Each degree, from MBBS to BNYS, represents a specific level of knowledge designed to meet the needs of different patients. Understanding these credentials promotes safe, regulated medical practice and enables survivors to make informed decisions about their care (Chatterjee, 2021).

Recognizing the credentials of medical professionals is therefore essential for survivor-centered healing, safety, and dignity. This awareness strengthens GBV survivors’ autonomy in choosing appropriate care while highlighting the importance of trauma-informed, compassionate medical practices (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013).

Want the references for this article?

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• Chopra, R., & Arora, A. (2022). Medical education in India: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Health Management, 24(3), 344–356.

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• Plichta, S. B., & Falik, M. (2001). Prevalence of violence and its implications for women’s health. Women’s Health Issues, 11(3), 244–258.

• Rashid, S. (2018). Traditional medicine and cultural sensitivity: Unani practitioners and patient care. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 215, 125–132.

• Sharma, P. (2019). Ayurveda in modern healthcare. Journal of Indian Medicine, 5(3), 112–120.

• Singh, V. (2020). Dental education and practice in India. Indian Journal of Dental Sciences, 14(4), 187–192.