Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Maharashtra's Homeopathy Rule Explained: Why The IMA Is Protesting

In a first for India, <span>Maharashtra</span> has allowed qualified homeopathy practitioners to prescribe certain modern medicines after completing a one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).

The decision has sparked strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (<span>IMA</span>) and several doctors' bodies, which have announced protests, citing concerns over patient safety, medical education, and professional standards.

Under a Government Resolution (GR) issued on August 3, Maharashtra has allowed BHMS graduates who have completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). The registration allows eligible practitioners to prescribe specified modern medicines under the state's policy. 

The MMC began registering CCMP-qualified practitioners on August 5. According to reports, one practitioner has been registered so far, while around 2,500 applications remain pending. 

The IMA has warned of a nationwide strike if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw its decision. In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, signed by IMA National President Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak and Secretary General Dr. Sarbari Dutta, the association demanded immediate withdrawal of both the GR and the CCMP course.

The IMA has raised the following concerns:

<ul><li>No approval from national regulators:</li></ul>The association said the CCMP course is not approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). "Such a course is against the principles of Medical Education and should be cancelled and discontinued with immediate effect."

<ul><li>Opposition to dual registration:</li></ul>The IMA said allowing practitioners to be registered under two systems of medicine is unprecedented in India. "It is neither well thought out nor justified. There are no guidelines or SOPs laid out for the same. It also creates misinformation amongst the general public about the qualifications and capabilities of the doctor in treating their ailments."

<ul><li>Matter pending before the court</li></ul>The association noted that the issue is sub judice before the Mumbai High Court and argued that registrations should not proceed while legal questions remain unresolved.

<ul><li>Concerns over medical education</li></ul>The IMA said equating MBBS graduates with CCMP-trained practitioners undermines medical education. "The hard work and efforts of the students getting admission to MBBS are in vain and it is a tragic situation if they are equated with CCMP doctors who have done a part-time course."

<h2>What Is the CCMP Course? Why Was It Introduced?</h2>

The Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) is a one-year program introduced in Maharashtra in 2016 by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). It is designed for BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) graduates and trains them in aspects of modern pharmacology and allopathic medicine.

The CCMP course was introduced following a major agitation by homeopathic associations, including a 13-day indefinite hunger strike in Nagpur in 2013, demanding legal rights to prescribe essential modern medicines.

According to the Maharashtra government, the objective was to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in areas facing shortages of doctors.

To facilitate the course, the state amended the Maharashtra Homoeopathy Practitioners' Act, 1960 and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965 in 2014, after the legislation was passed by both Houses of the State Legislature.

The IMA now argued that the situation in 2014 when the MMC Act was amended is very different from the situation now. 

The medical body cited the cancellation of "bond system for MBBS graduates due to the nonavailability of vacant posts for them even in rural areas- signifying sufficient availability of MBBS doctors".

<h2>What Does the CCMP Course Include?</h2>

According to the government, the one-year CCMP curriculum was developed by expert committees at MUHS after comparing the BHMS and MBBS syllabi to bridge gaps in training.

<ul><li>Training in modern pharmacology</li><li>Practical laboratory procedures</li><li>Rotational hospital training in clinical subjects of allopathy</li><li>Teaching at government and private medical colleges</li><li>Examinations conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, MUHS</li></ul>

The government says the program is intended to make registered homeopathic practitioners competent to prescribe specified modern medicines and improve access to healthcare in the state.

But the IMA has argued that such "short-term certification or bridge courses cannot substitute for comprehensive medical education". They also warned that permitting cross-practice would compromise patient safety.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) began an indefinite statewide strike on August 3. On August 5, doctors across Mumbai withdrew routine outpatient department (OPD) services in protest against the government's decision.

Doctors from Pune are scheduled to join their counterparts in Mumbai for demonstrations at Azad Maidan on August 6.  The IMA has warned of a nationwide strike if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw the decision. The IMA Kerala State Branch has also extended support to the Maharashtra doctors' protest.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

maharashtras-homeopathy-rule-explained-why-the-ima-is-protesting

Homeopathy in Maharashtra

IMA doctor protest

ima maharashtra strike

new Homeopathy Rule in Maharashtra

maharashtra

CCMP in maharashtra

protest against homeopathy

Homeopathy medicine

header-22

Blood Pressure, Heart Medicines May Boost Effectiveness Of Antidepressants, AIIMS Study Finds

severe-covid-19-can-reactivate-dormant-viruses-may-fuel-long-covid-symptoms-study

Severe COVID-19 Can Reactivate Dormant Viruses, May Fuel Long COVID Symptoms: Study

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

In a first for India, Maharashtra has allowed qualified homeopathy practitioners to prescribe certain modern medicines after completing a one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). The decision has sparked strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and several doctors' bodies, which have announced protests, citing concerns over patient safety, medical education, and professional standards.What Is The Debate All About?Under a Government Resolution (GR) issued on August 3, Maharashtra has allowed BHMS graduates who have completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). The registration allows eligible practitioners to prescribe specified modern medicines under the state's policy. The MMC began registering CCMP-qualified practitioners on August 5. According to reports, one practitioner has been registered so far, while around 2,500 applications remain pending. The IMA has warned of a nationwide strike if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw its decision. In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, signed by IMA National President Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak and Secretary General Dr. Sarbari Dutta, the association demanded immediate withdrawal of both the GR and the CCMP course.Why Is the IMA Objecting?The IMA has raised the following concerns:No approval from national regulators:The association said the CCMP course is not approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). "Such a course is against the principles of Medical Education and should be cancelled and discontinued with immediate effect."Opposition to dual registration:The IMA said allowing practitioners to be registered under two systems of medicine is unprecedented in India. "It is neither well thought out nor justified. There are no guidelines or SOPs laid out for the same. It also creates misinformation amongst the general public about the qualifications and capabilities of the doctor in treating their ailments."Matter pending before the courtThe association noted that the issue is sub judice before the Mumbai High Court and argued that registrations should not proceed while legal questions remain unresolved.Concerns over medical educationThe IMA said equating MBBS graduates with CCMP-trained practitioners undermines medical education. "The hard work and efforts of the students getting admission to MBBS are in vain and it is a tragic situation if they are equated with CCMP doctors who have done a part-time course." What Is the CCMP Course? Why Was It Introduced?The Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) is a one-year program introduced in Maharashtra in 2016 by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). It is designed for BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) graduates and trains them in aspects of modern pharmacology and allopathic medicine.The CCMP course was introduced following a major agitation by homeopathic associations, including a 13-day indefinite hunger strike in Nagpur in 2013, demanding legal rights to prescribe essential modern medicines.According to the Maharashtra government, the objective was to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in areas facing shortages of doctors.To facilitate the course, the state amended the Maharashtra Homoeopathy Practitioners' Act, 1960 and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965 in 2014, after the legislation was passed by both Houses of the State Legislature.The IMA now argued that the situation in 2014 when the MMC Act was amended is very different from the situation now. The medical body cited the cancellation of "bond system for MBBS graduates due to the nonavailability of vacant posts for them even in rural areas- signifying sufficient availability of MBBS doctors".What Does the CCMP Course Include?According to the government, the one-year CCMP curriculum was developed by expert committees at MUHS after comparing the BHMS and MBBS syllabi to bridge gaps in training.The course includes:Training in modern pharmacologyPractical laboratory proceduresRotational hospital training in clinical subjects of allopathyTeaching at government and private medical collegesExaminations conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, MUHSThe government says the program is intended to make registered homeopathic practitioners competent to prescribe specified modern medicines and improve access to healthcare in the state.But the IMA has argued that such "short-term certification or bridge courses cannot substitute for comprehensive medical education". They also warned that permitting cross-practice would compromise patient safety.What's Next?The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) began an indefinite statewide strike on August 3. On August 5, doctors across Mumbai withdrew routine outpatient department (OPD) services in protest against the government's decision.Doctors from Pune are scheduled to join their counterparts in Mumbai for demonstrations at Azad Maidan on August 6.  The IMA has warned of a nationwide strike if the Maharashtra government does not withdraw the decision. The IMA Kerala State Branch has also extended support to the Maharashtra doctors' protest.

maharashtra's homeopathy rule explained: why the ima is protesting

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Maharashtra's Homeopathy Rule Explained: Why The IMA Is Protesting

Severe COVID-19 Can Reactivate Dormant Viruses, May Fuel Long COVID Symptoms: Study

FDA Approves Moderna's First mRNA Flu Vaccine, Marking A Milestone In Influenza Prevention

Salmonella Outbreak in US Linked to Jalapeños; Cases Climb to Nearly 350: How to Stay Safe

Health Conditions A-Z

Blood Pressure, Heart Medicines May Boost Effectiveness Of Antidepressants, AIIMS Study Finds

Maharashtra's Homeopathy Rule Explained: Why The IMA Is Protesting

Severe COVID-19 Can Reactivate Dormant Viruses, May Fuel Long COVID Symptoms: Study