Homeopaths with Pharmacology Certificate Allowed to Practice Allopathy in Maharashtra

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In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra Medical Council has permitted homeopathic practitioners with a certified pharmacology qualification to practice allopathic medicine starting July 15, 2025. The move has sparked sharp reactions from the allopathic medical community, raising concerns over patient safety and professional standards.

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In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra government has decided to allow homeopathic doctors who have completed a six-month Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council and practice modern (allopathic) medicine. The registration process is set to begin on July 15, 2025, enabling thousands of certified homeopaths across the state to prescribe select allopathic drugs.

The CCMP course was introduced under amendments made in 2014 to the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act. Though legislated years ago, implementation had been delayed due to legal hurdles. With this policy now being formally enacted, the government hopes to address doctor shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to MBBS-qualified physicians remains limited.

However, the decision has triggered intense opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other healthcare bodies. They argue that a short-term course in pharmacology cannot equip homeopathic doctors with the diagnostic and clinical skills required in modern medicine. The IMA has called for a statewide protest on July 11 and warned of legal consequences, citing a Bombay High Court stay on similar earlier decisions.

Despite the backlash, government officials maintain that the move is both legal and necessary. Over 15,000 homeopathic practitioners have reportedly completed the CCMP through state-run institutions, and authorities insist that the registrations will be carefully monitored to ensure compliance with defined practice limits.

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While the government’s intent is to improve healthcare access through this policy, especially in rural Maharashtra, it remains to be seen how the medical community and judiciary respond. With deep divisions between traditional and modern medical systems, the policy could reshape healthcare delivery in India—or risk undermining clinical standards if not carefully regulated.