Homoeopaths Can Now Prescribe Allopathy in Maharashtra

In a recent and controversial move, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has announced that homoeopathic doctors in the state will soon be allowed to prescribe allopathic (modern) medicines. This will be permitted after they complete a short, six-month course in pharmacology called the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).

This decision marks a significant change in how medical practice is regulated in Maharashtra and has sparked serious debate among healthcare professionals.

Registration Begins July 15

According to the MMC, homoeopaths who finish the CCMP course will be eligible to register with the council starting July 15, 2025. Once registered, they can begin prescribing certain allopathic drugs. However, the full list of what medications they can prescribe—and for which conditions—is still being decided.

Dr. Vinky Rughwani, the current administrator of the MMC, stated, “We received legal clearance from the government and judiciary, and we are now preparing to start the registration process.”

Background

This shift didn’t happen overnight. The groundwork was laid back in 2014 when the Maharashtra government amended two key laws:

The Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act
The Maharashtra Medical Council Act of 1965

These amendments opened the door for homoeopaths to prescribe modern medicines—but only under specific conditions, such as completing additional training like the CCMP.

Legal Disputes and Temporary Block

Soon after these changes, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) challenged them in court, arguing that allowing homoeopaths to practice allopathy could endanger patients. In response, the Bombay High Court placed a stay on the amendments, temporarily halting their implementation.
However, efforts to sidestep the stay began late last year.

FDA Directive Sparks Controversy

In December 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra instructed pharmacies and wholesalers to supply modern medicines to homoeopaths who had completed the CCMP course. This directive raised many eyebrows, especially among allopathic medical professionals.
Dr. Santosh Kadam, president of IMA Maharashtra, explained: “The FDA can regulate drugs, but it does not have the power to decide who can practice medicine. That authority lies only with the MMC.”

MMC Circular Gives Directive Legal Backing

While the FDA’s directive was previously considered unofficial or “toothless,” the new MMC circular now gives it legal standing. This move has paved the way for homoeopaths to officially start practising allopathy after completing the short-term course.

Political Influence Raises Questions

Critics, including Dr. Kadam, have raised concerns that political pressure may be influencing these decisions. He claimed that both the FDA and MMC were pushed to implement this policy, especially since many homoeopathic colleges are either owned by or linked to influential political figures in the state.
A key meeting in February 2025 between state medical education minister Hasan Mushrif, BJP MLA Randhir Sawarkar, and representatives from the MMC and homoeopathic associations reportedly led to the MMC being directed to enforce the 2014 amendment.

Concerns About Public Health and Patient Safety

Healthcare experts fear that allowing homoeopaths to prescribe modern drugs after only six months of pharmacology training could put patients at risk. The standard training for allopathic doctors spans over five years and includes clinical internships, whereas the CCMP course is significantly shorter.
Medical professionals worry that such limited training may not adequately prepare homoeopaths to diagnose or treat complex conditions using modern medicine.

Conclusion

As of now, the MMC is working on defining the exact scope of practice for these newly certified homoeopaths specifically, which medicines they can prescribe and for what types of diseases. Until then, the debate continues among the medical community, legal experts, and public health advocates.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.