In a move that has stirred strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has issued a notification allowing homeopathy practitioners to prescribe modern medicines after completing a six-month certificate course in pharmacology.
The decision, dated June 30, has drawn sharp criticism from the IMA, which warns that it could erode public trust and dilute modern medical practices. The association plans to withdraw non-emergency health services for 24 hours on July 11 if their concerns remain unaddressed.
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The notification permits homeopaths to register under MMC after completing the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), with a dedicated portal for registration set to launch on July 15, 2025.
“This notification was issued under instructions from the government, which consulted the Law and Judiciary Department,” said Dr. Vinky Rughwani, Administrator of MMC.
The MMC’s decision stems from a 2014 state government notification that amended the Maharashtra Homeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, allowing trained homeopaths limited access to modern medical practice.
However, the IMA has expressed strong opposition, terming the decision “dangerous” and “misleading” to patients. The association argues that prescribing modern medicine requires a comprehensive understanding of pathology, diagnostics, and therapeutics, something a short course cannot replace.
“This is wrong. We are against it, as it will hoodwink patients and dilute the essence of modern medical practice,” said IMA National Vice President Dr. Shivkumar Utture. He added that the matter is already sub judice, and the Bombay High Court has granted a stay following IMA’s legal challenge to the 2016 amendments enabling this move.
IMA Maharashtra President Dr. Santosh Kadam further alleged that the state government did not consult the IMA during deliberations held in May, choosing instead to only meet with homoeopathy bodies and private colleges. “A six-month pharmacology course cannot substitute for years of rigorous MBBS training,” he said, citing concerns over patient safety.
The IMA has announced that it will submit memoranda to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through district collectors and tahsildars. The IMA plans to protest by suspending non-emergency health services for 24 hours on July 11 if the state government does not take action.
