Maharashtra Allows Homeopaths to Practice Allopathy After 6-Month Course
The Maharashtra Medical Council has approved a six-month course that allows homeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines, sparking concerns among medical professionals about patient safety and ethical standards.
Maharashtra Medical CouncilHomeopathyAllopathyCertificate Course In Modern PharmacologyIndian Medical AssociationReal Estate MaharashtraJul 07, 2025
The decision stems from amendments made in 2014 to the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act of 1965. These amendments had initially enabled homeopaths to prescribe allopathic drugs under certain conditions, but legal and regulatory hurdles delayed implementation. Now, the MMC, which has been functioning without an elected medical body since 2022, has issued a notification permitting the registration of homeopaths who complete the CCMP course.
Once registered, these homeopaths will be legally allowed to prescribe allopathic medication, although the exact scope of their prescribing rights remains under review. Dr. Vinky Rughwani, the MMC administrator, stated, “We received directions from the government and a clearance from the law and judiciary department regarding the case pending before the court. We will begin registering them starting July 15. Till then, we will be studying what kinds of medicines they will be allowed to prescribe.”
The IMA, which had previously challenged the 2014 amendments, has expressed strong opposition to the new notification. Dr. Santosh Kadam, President of IMA Maharashtra, emphasized that the Bombay High Court had issued a stay on the earlier move, but since late 2024, efforts have been underway to bypass the court's restraint. In December 2024, the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed chemists to supply allopathic medicines to homeopaths who had completed the CCMP. The IMA objected to this, citing jurisdictional overreach.
“FDA is a drug regulator but it does not have the authority to recognize who can practice medicine. That authority lies only with the MMC,” Dr. Kadam said. He also alleged political pressure behind the move, noting that many homeopathic colleges are either owned by or indirectly affiliated with politicians in the state.
The MMC’s decision followed a February 2025 meeting between state medical education minister Hasan Mushrif, BJP MLA Randhir Sawarkar, MMC representatives, and homeopathy associations. It was agreed during this meeting that the 2014 amendment would finally be implemented.
Critics argue that the six-month course is insufficient to ensure that homeopaths are adequately trained to prescribe allopathic medicines safely. They warn that this decision could have serious public health implications, including the potential for misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The IMA and other medical organizations are calling for a more rigorous and comprehensive training program to ensure patient safety and maintain medical standards.
Despite the controversy, the MMC and homeopathy associations maintain that the move will enhance the accessibility of healthcare services in the state. However, the debate continues, with many medical professionals and patient advocates raising concerns about the potential risks and ethical considerations involved in allowing homeopaths to practice allopathy after a relatively short training period.
The decision highlights the ongoing tension between traditional and modern medical practices and the need for a balanced approach to healthcare regulation. As the implementation of this policy moves forward, the medical community and public health officials will be closely monitoring the outcomes to ensure that patient safety remains a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)?
The Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) is a six-month course designed to train homeopaths in the principles and practices of allopathic medicine, enabling them to prescribe allopathic drugs after completion.
Why is the IMA opposed to this decision?
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is opposed to this decision because they believe the six-month course is insufficient to ensure that homeopaths are adequately trained to safely prescribe allopathic medicines, which could lead to serious public health risks.
What are the potential risks of allowing homeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines?
The potential risks include misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and compromised patient safety due to the lack of comprehensive training in allopathic medicine.
How did the state's FDA become involved in this issue?
In December 2024, the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed chemists to supply allopathic medicines to homeopaths who had completed the CCMP course, a move that the IMA objected to, citing jurisdictional overreach.
What is the role of the Maharashtra Medical Council in this decision?
The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) is responsible for regulating medical practice in the state. They issued the notification permitting homeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines after completing the CCMP course, following directions from the government and clearance from the law and judiciary department.
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