LUCKNOW, Jan. 3 -- The Uttar Pradesh department of Ayush is working on a policy to introduce basic surgical services at government ayurveda health facilities in the state, with procedures to be performed by postgraduate ayurveda doctors. The move follows approval by the Central Council of Indian Medicine, which has amended postgraduate guidelines to allow ayurveda practitioners with PG qualifications to perform surgeries related to the eye, dental conditions, and ailments of the head and neck. At present, patients requiring such procedures largely depend on allopathic hospitals. "We are analysing practices followed by ayurveda doctors in other states and simultaneously preparing a policy for Uttar Pradesh to facilitate surgeries by qualified ayurveda doctors," a senior official of the Department of Ayush said. Once the policy is finalised, necessary surgical equipment will be procured and procedures will be introduced at designated ayurveda facilities. As part of the plan, ayurveda doctors will undergo six months of training at allopathic hospitals to familiarise themselves with standard safety protocols. The policy will be placed before the state cabinet for approval. HTC...