IMA, AMC Warn of Legal Action, Protests Over CCMP Certificate Registration by Homoeopaths
Mumbai: A major controversy has erupted in Maharashtra’s medical community following a recent notification by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) permitting homoeopathic practitioners to prescribe modern (allopathic) medicines after completing a six-month Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).
The decision, which is set to take effect from July 15, 2025, has drawn sharp opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), Mumbai, who warn that the move could endanger public health and erode the integrity of allopathic practice.
MMC Notification Sparks Outrage
The MMC’s June 30 notification—endorsed by the state’s Medical Education and Drugs Department—paves the way for homoeopathic doctors to register with the council and practice modern medicine after completing the CCMP course. An online portal for registration is expected to go live on the MMC website from July 15.
“This is absolutely wrong. We are against it as it will hoodwink patients and dilute modern medical practices,” said Dr. Shivkumar Utture, National Vice President of IMA. He added that the matter is currently subjudice, as the Bombay High Court has already issued a stay in response to a petition filed by the IMA challenging the legitimacy of the 2014 amendments.
Background of the Issue
In 2014, the Maharashtra government amended the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and Maharashtra Medical Council Act 1965, permitting homoeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines under specific conditions. The recent notification appears to implement that provision officially, though opponents argue it violates existing legal and ethical boundaries.
The MMC reportedly took the decision to operationalise this amendment during a meeting held in February 2025.
Doctors’ Associations Demand Immediate Rollback
The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) has sent a formal letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging an immediate revocation of the notification. The AMC asserts that registering CCMP-qualified homoeopaths under the MMC undermines its role as the exclusive regulator of allopathic practitioners.
“Should this decision not be reversed, thousands of modern medicine practitioners across Maharashtra will be compelled to initiate peaceful but firm democratic protests, dharnas, and agitations to safeguard the dignity of our profession and ensure public safety,” the letter warned.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Patient Safety Risks: Short-term training may not equip homoeopaths to handle the complexities of modern medicine.
- Legal Conflict: Ongoing litigation and previous court stays make the notification questionable.
- Regulatory Integrity: Allowing dual registration under MMC may confuse patients and dilute professional standards.
Despite the opposition, the Maharashtra Medical Association (MMA) has also directed CCMP-certified doctors to register, suggesting institutional support for the move within certain government-backed circles.
