The decision has been met with resistance from the Indian Medical Association, which said the MMC move will mislead patients. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: yavdat
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors Association (MSRDA) strongly objected to the Maharashtra Medical Council’s (MMC) decision to allow homoeopathy practitioners with a one-year bridge course in pharmacology to practise allopathy.
Condemning the decision taken by the Maharashtra government, the IMA said it will launch a protest if the ‘illegal order’ is not withdrawn by July 10.
The top medical body opposed the decision on the grounds that homoeopathy doctors are allowed registration with the MMC, despite having their own homoeopathy council. “If the government doesn’t withdraw the decision, then we will go on a 24-hour strike on July 11. Allopathy doctors will withdraw from all healthcare services, including surgeries, consultations, and routine check-ups,” Santosh Kadam, IMA State president, told The Hindu.
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The IMA, through its 220 branches across Maharashtra, has written letters to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis via district-level officers. A march is also planned in Mumbai on July 19 if the government doesn’t respond, IMA office-bearers said.
Stiff resistance
The MMC notification, dated June 30, allows Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)-trained homoeopathic practitioners to register with the MMC and practise modern medicine, which has received flak from the allopathy practitioners’ group, calling it “illegal’, ‘illogical’, and ‘detrimental to public health’.
The notification highlights amendments in the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965, which allow for maintaining a separate register for (CCMP)-trained homoeopathic practitioners. It directs all CCMP-qualified doctors to register under MMC on its website from July 15.
“The general patients will be confused if the Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) practitioners are given the status of modern medicine practitioners. In emergencies, due to wrong medication, incorrect diagnosis, and ignorance of the doctors, the life of the patient will be put at risk. This tarnishes the image of MBBS doctors,” said the IMA in a statement.
MSRDA also reiterated the same sentiment, stating the move will erode ‘medical standards’ and ‘public trust’.
“We are already facing a crisis of unregulated and unchecked medical practices. Besides, it is a disservice to thousands of MBBS doctors with at least 8 to 12 years of rigorous, evidence-based training,” MSRDA president Dr. Abhijit Helge said.
“Can one year equal ten? Modern medicine is more than just memorizing drug names. It is about comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacodynamics, clinical diagnosis, investigative interpretation, and individualized patient care,” the MSRDA said. “
Mr. Kadam also pointed out that the decision potentially constitutes contempt of court as the matter is still pending in the Bombay High Court.
Published – July 09, 2025 03:59 pm IST