Maharashtra’s Medical Turf War: Homeopaths vs IMA Over New Registration Order

Pune, 6th September 2025: The Maharashtra government has asked the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to begin registering homeopathic doctors who have completed the one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), reigniting a contentious debate between medical associations.

In its latest circular, the state’s medical education and drugs department directed MMC to proceed with the process despite an ongoing case in the Bombay High Court, where the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has challenged the decision.

MMC administrator Dr. Rughwani Vinki confirmed receipt of the circular. “We have received the government’s instructions and will examine the matter on Monday,” he told reporters.

The move has drawn sharp reactions from both sides. The Maharashtra Homeopathy Council (MHC) welcomed the directive, calling it a long-awaited acknowledgment of homeopaths’ right to practice modern medicine after completing CCMP.

“This is a victory for truth,” said MHC administrator Bahubali Shah. “Some organisations tried to mislead the government to prevent registration of homeopathy doctors, but the Attorney General gave an opinion in our favour. Now, registration will begin soon, and I appeal to all qualified homeopaths in Maharashtra to come forward.”

The IMA, however, has strongly objected, arguing that the government is undermining the judicial process. “We have taken note of the circular, and our lawyers are reviewing it,” said Dr. Santosh Kadam, president of the IMA’s Maharashtra chapter. “The matter is still pending in court. Issuing a fresh order at this stage is not appropriate. We will urge the Bombay High Court to expedite the case.”

The debate dates back to 2014, when the state amended the Maharashtra Medical Council Act to allow CCMP-qualified homeopaths to practice allopathy. The one-year pharmacology course was introduced to tackle the shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas.

According to government figures, about 10,000 of the 90,000 registered homeopaths in the state have completed the CCMP. In April this year, the medical education department directed MMC to create a separate register for such practitioners from July 15. However, after the IMA threatened a statewide strike, the plan was put on hold.

A seven-member committee, led by the commissioner of medical education, was later tasked with studying the issue, and the government sought legal clarity from the state’s Advocate General on whether maintaining a separate register would conflict with earlier court rulings.

With the new order, the state has effectively reopened the door for homeopaths trained in modern pharmacology to gain recognition under MMC. The decision is expected to intensify the legal and professional tussle between allopathic and homeopathic practitioners in Maharashtra.