Vidit vs Liver Doc: Who’s a Real Doctor in India? AYUSH vs Allopathy Debate

What began as a warm tribute on Doctor’s Day by Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi soon spiralled into a public online clash with renowned hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as “The Liver Doc.” At the heart of the controversy lies a decades-old but still polarising question: Who qualifies as a “real” doctor in India?

Vidit vs Liver Doc

On July 1st, Doctor’s Day, Gujrathi shared a photo with his family on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

“Happy Doctor’s Day to my entire family.”

When asked to clarify, Gujrathi explained:

“My father is an Ayurvedic migraine specialist, my wife has an MD in homeopathy, my mother practices cosmetology, and my sister is a physiotherapist.”

Dr. Philips quickly responded:

“I am sorry, but none of them are really doctors.”

He elaborated that Ayurveda, homeopathy, and cosmetology lack scientific rigor and should not be equated with modern, evidence-based medicine. He emphasised:

“Let’s not celebrate pseudoscience and alternative faith-based systems as ‘medical’ professions just because someone with public outreach thinks so.”

Dr. Philips, known for his outspoken advocacy against unproven therapies, cited his research credentials and warned that conflating pseudoscientific practices with modern medicine can mislead the public and harm patients.

Vidit’s Response

Vidit did not hold back in defending his family. He criticised Dr. Philips for being “arrogant” and “disrespectful,” stating:

“You insulted my entire family without understanding the value they bring to society. Stay in your lane and try being useful instead of dismissive.”

He concluded the exchange by saying:

“You and trolls like you don’t get to decide who’s a doctor. I’ve said my part. Now, back to what actually matters. No time for noise.”

AYUSH vs Allopathy Debate

India stands at a unique crossroads in healthcare, where ancient healing traditions and cutting-edge modern medicine operate side by side. On one hand, is the AYUSH system (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), rooted in centuries of cultural wisdom. On the other hand, Allopathy (modern medicine) brings rigorous scientific validation, high-end diagnostics, and advanced surgical interventions.

But can these two systems coexist? Or are they fundamentally at odds?

What is Modern Medicine (Allopathy)?

Modern medicine, also known as allopathy or Western medicine, is based on scientific research, clinical trials, and evidence-backed protocols. It involves:

• Diagnosis using modern tools (X-ray, MRI, blood tests)
• Treatment using pharmaceutical drugs, surgery, radiation, etc.
• Emergency and trauma care, vaccinations, and life-saving interventions

Modern medicine is governed by scientific institutions, global standards (like the WHO), and constant research validation.

Strengths:

• Evidence-based and result-oriented
• Critical in emergencies (heart attack, trauma, infections)
• Rapid symptom relief and standardised care
• Advanced diagnostics and surgeries

Limitations:

• Often symptom-focused, not root-cause-oriented
• Side effects from prolonged drug use
• Expensive and sometimes inaccessible
• Less focus on preventive and holistic care

What is Traditional Medicine (AYUSH)?

AYUSH is a collective term used for India’s indigenous systems of medicine:

• Ayurveda: Balances bodily doshas through herbs, diet, and lifestyle
• Yoga & Naturopathy: Use physical postures, breathing, detox, fasting, etc.
• Unani: Greek-Arabic-Persian healing system based on humoral theory
• Siddha: Ancient South Indian system using metals, minerals, and herbs
• Homeopathy: Based on the “like cures like” principle, using ultra-diluted substances

Supported by the Ministry of AYUSH, these systems are legally recognised and taught in dedicated medical colleges across India.

Strengths:

• Emphasises prevention and lifestyle correction
• Holistic and individualised treatment
• Low cost and fewer side effects
• Effective in chronic and lifestyle-related disorders

Limitations:

• Lack of large-scale clinical trials and standardisation
• Misuse by unqualified practitioners
• Slow action, less effective in acute or emergency
• The risk of pseudoscience if not regulated strictly

AYUSH vs Modern Medicine: Key Differences

Aspect	Modern Medicine (Allopathy)	AYUSH (Traditional Medicine)
Approach	Disease-specific & symptom-based	Holistic & patient-specific
Evidence Base	Strong clinical trials, scientific studies	Limited evidence, more experiential
Speed of Relief	Rapid, especially for acute illness	Gradual, long-term improvement
Side Effects	Can be significant with prolonged use	Minimal when properly prescribed
Scope	Strong in critical care, surgery, infection	Effective in lifestyle disorders, chronic pain, stress
Regulation	Highly regulated by medical councils	Growing oversight, still loosely regulated
Philosophy	Cure-centric	Prevention and balance-centric

Who’s a Real Doctor

Growing Global Acceptance of Traditional Medicine

The debate over who is a “real” doctor, rooted in social media spats and elitism, ignores the reality of healthcare pluralism. India’s vast and diverse population benefits from having multiple systems of care, each with its strengths.

The future lies in scientific collaboration, not confrontation, where AYUSH and modern medicine serve the patient together, guided by safety, evidence, and compassion.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched its Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, the first of its kind globally. This marks the international validation of India’s traditional medical systems.

Globally, alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture, Ayurveda, and naturopathy are gaining traction in wellness, mental health, and chronic disease management.

Integrative Medicine: The Future of Healthcare?

Rather than viewing AYUSH and modern medicine as rivals, many experts advocate for an integrative model that combines:

• Modern diagnostics and acute care
• AYUSH-based long-term wellness, detox, and prevention
• Collaborative treatment plans respecting both systems

Examples:

• Yoga for post-cardiac rehab
• Ayurveda for diabetes or PCOS management
• Naturopathy for gut disorders
• Allopathy for infections and surgeries

Challenges Ahead

• Regulation & Standardization: Ensuring only qualified practitioners offer AYUSH treatment
• Evidence-based Practice: More clinical research, especially for Ayurvedic drugs
• Public Awareness: Avoiding misinformation, blind faith, and “miracle cure” claims
• Medical Education: Training doctors in both systems for collaborative care

A Divisive and Outdated Debate

While Dr. Philips’ insistence on evidence-based medicine echoes the global scientific consensus, many argue the debate itself is becoming less relevant in today’s medical landscape.

The rise of integrative and personalized healthcare, which often combines allopathic, traditional, and lifestyle-based approaches, is reshaping how patients and professionals view healing. In India, especially, alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and homeopathy are not only widely practiced but also supported by dedicated ministries (AYUSH) and educational councils. Physiotherapy and cosmetology, while not “medical doctor” fields in the traditional sense, play essential roles in clinical care and wellness.

The growing global demand for holistic health solutions, chronic illness management, and preventive care is pushing alternative medicine into mainstream relevance. WHO has also recognized traditional medicine’s potential to complement modern practices, provided it’s safe and regulated.

What Experts Say

• Public health scholars suggest that binary classifications, “real” vs. “fake” doctors, ignore the collaborative nature of modern healthcare ecosystems.
• Healthcare futurists point out that medical legitimacy is increasingly defined not only by training but by impact, patient outcomes, and ethical standards.

While the Vidit–Liver Doc spat may reflect deeper divides between traditional and modern systems, it’s clear that the future of medicine is interdisciplinary, patient-centric, and increasingly inclusive of alternative health sciences. Instead of drawing lines, experts urge society to focus on evidence, safety, and collaborative care models that best serve the public.