Surat: A controversy has erupted after a man who was earlier arrested for allegedly practising medicine without the requisite qualifications was conferred the ‘Ayurveda Seva Ratna Award’ at an event in Surat on October 4. The ‘Vande Ayucon-3’ programme, organised with the support of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), was attended by health minister Praful Pansheriya.The controversy has angered qualified Ayurvedic practitioners, who have questioned how a person with such a background was selected for the honour. The award recipient had allegedly been arrested by Navsari police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) for practising as a fake doctor.Around 57 qualified Ayurvedic doctors have reportedly signed a representation opposing the award. They have also submitted a written complaint to the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) in New Delhi, seeking action in the matter.Responding to the controversy, the SGCCI president said the chamber was unaware of the recipient’s background when the event was organised. He said the programme was a joint initiative and the chamber had extended its support at the request of Dr Jignesh, who heads the associated organisation.Pansheriya said the award would be withdrawn if it had been obtained improperly. “It was a good programme organised by Ayurvedic practitioners in association with SGCCI. If anyone has received an honour wrongly, action will be taken. Those who submit fake documents to obtain such recognition should be cautious, as strict action will follow,” he said.ends
