Over 500 Protesters Demand Reinstatement of Allopathy Practice Rights for CCMP-Trained Homeopaths
Mumbai — Homeopathic doctors across Maharashtra temporarily called off a three-day hunger strike on July 16 after the state government sought four days to review their demand for reinstatement of Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)-based registrations with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
The protest, led by Dr Bahubali Shah, Administrator of the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy, saw participation from over 500 homeopaths at Azad Maidan. The doctors held placards and raised slogans targeting the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the state government, accusing them of forcing the MMC to withdraw its June 30 order permitting CCMP-trained homeopathic doctors to register and practice allopathy.
Protests Over Suspension of Registration Rights
Protesters claimed that despite receiving advanced training in modern medicine through the CCMP course, their rights to register under MMC were revoked, allegedly due to pressure from the IMA. Over 9,000 CCMP-certified doctors and more than 60 homeopathy colleges supported the strike. The community demanded equal rights in clinical practice, highlighting their essential role in providing healthcare in rural and underserved areas.
Government’s Assurance and Committee Review
The strike was called off following a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who requested a four-day window to review the matter. Dr Shah informed media outlets that they assured the CM of the CCMP doctors’ competence and their commitment to patient safety.
The issue stems from a long-standing controversy. The CCMP course was approved by the Maharashtra government in 2014 and conducted under Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). It enabled BHMS doctors to treat patients using allopathic methods in government health setups, particularly in rural areas.
Legal Roadblocks and Opposition from IMA
However, the IMA has consistently opposed the CCMP initiative, calling it a case of “crosspathy” that endangers patient safety. In 2014, the IMA filed a writ petition (No. 7847/2014) against the CCMP program, leading to a High Court stay. Despite this, the MMC revived the registration process in June 2025, sparking backlash from the allopathy community and a fresh stay from the state government.
Dr Anil Avhad, State Secretary of IMA, said, “The matter is sub judice. Any registration now could amount to contempt of court.”
Accusations of Betrayal and Discrimination
Protesting homeopaths labelled the rollback a betrayal, accusing the government of yielding to the IMA and failing to honour commitments to thousands of trained doctors. They demanded immediate reinstatement of CCMP registration, withdrawal of the suspension notice, and greater representation of BHMS-qualified doctors in decision-making panels.
Doctors also urged the government to formally recognise their contribution to public healthcare, especially in underserved areas where CCMP doctors often serve as the sole providers of modern medical treatment.
IMA Responds: “Mixopathy Harms Both Systems”
In reaction, IMA members strongly criticised the homeopaths’ demand to practise modern medicine. Dr Dhruv Chauhan, IMA-JDN spokesperson, said on X, “They claim superiority of homeopathy but now seek to dilute it by merging with modern medicine. This is not about healthcare, it’s about crossing professional boundaries.”
Another IMA doctor added, “This push for mixopathy is dangerous and misleading. Instead of developing their own system, homeopaths want to adopt another without proper training or accountability.”
Awaiting Government Action
As the government reviews the matter, the protesting doctors have paused their hunger strike, but not their demands. With the issue still pending in the Bombay High Court, the final resolution remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the homeopathic community has warned that prolonged inaction may prompt them to resume their agitation.
