The Maharashtra government’s decision to direct the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to register homeopathic doctors—who have completed a six-month bridge course—under the allopathic medical council has triggered strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra.
IMA Warns of Public Health Risk
IMA Maharashtra state president Dr. Santosh Kadam raised serious concerns over the move. He warned that allowing homeopaths lateral entry into modern medicine practice poses a grave risk to public health. “This decision opens the doors for allegedly underqualified practitioners to enter allopathic practice. It undermines the statutory and ethical framework of the MMC,” he said.
Bridge Course Sparks Regulatory Alarm
As reported by TOI, the bridge course in question is the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), a six-month program that the MMC, through a notification issued on June 30, has deemed valid for homeopathic doctors to seek registration under the allopathic council. The IMA termed this move “unprecedented” in medical regulatory history, both in India and globally, stating it dilutes the standards of modern medicine.
Legal Dispute Ignored, Says IMA
The IMA also criticized the MMC for issuing the notification despite the matter being under judicial consideration. “In February, we filed a petition before the Bombay High Court, foreseeing the danger of homeopaths being allowed into allopathic practice. Yet, the council proceeded,” said Dr. Kadam.
Protests and Strike Announced
In response, IMA Maharashtra and other associations of allopathic doctors have planned citywide protest marches on Tuesday, followed by a token strike on July 11. The medical fraternity is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the notification and a review of the policy.
Fears Over Patient Safety and Confusion
IMA office bearers also raised alarms about the misleading use of the title ‘modern medicine practitioner’ for homeopathic doctors. “In emergencies, improper diagnosis, incorrect medication, and limited understanding of allopathic protocols could prove fatal. This move could confuse the public and compromise patient safety,” Dr. Kadam said.
Government Yet to Respond
Maharashtra’s Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. The IMA continues to urge the state government to reconsider its decision. It says the move endangers public health and undermines modern medical practice.