Row Erupts as MMC Allows Homeopaths with CCMP to Practise Allopathy; IMA Threatens Protests

Mumbai: A major controversy has broken out in Maharashtra’s medical fraternity after the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) approved the registration of homeopathy doctors—who have completed the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)—to practise allopathic medicine. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra chapter, has strongly opposed the move, calling it a threat to patient safety and medical standards.
The IMA has announced plans for protests and a social media awareness campaign, including short films, to highlight the risks of allowing what they call “under-qualified practitioners” into the mainstream medical system.
RTI activist Anil Galgali, who pushed for the implementation of the decision through sustained efforts with the state government and health authorities, stated that the delay in registration had led to significant revenue loss for the government.
The CCMP, a six-month course started by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in 2016, is conducted at 33 government medical colleges, and over 15,000 homeopathy doctors have reportedly completed it.
Despite the state’s justification that the move will strengthen healthcare delivery, the IMA argues that the MMC was established solely to regulate modern medicine practitioners (MBBS and above) and that homeopaths have a separate governing body—the Maharashtra Council of Homeopathy.
Dr. Anil Pachnekar, National Vice President of IMA HQ Delhi, warned that equating a six-month course with an MBBS degree undermines medical education, endangers patients, and damages public trust. The IMA has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to immediately intervene and reverse what they describe as an “unjust and hazardous” policy.