The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has come under heavy fire after a new policy allowed homeopaths to prescribe modern allopathic medicines following a six-month certificate course in pharmacology. The move, dated June 30, 2025, has reignited a long-standing debate on cross-pathy and the boundaries of medical practice in India.
Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)
As per the MMC notification, homeopathy practitioners who complete the newly launched Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) will be allowed to practice modern medicine. The policy is rooted in amendments made to the Maharashtra Homeopathic Practitioners Act and Maharashtra Medical Council Act back in 2014, which had approved the concept in principle but saw delayed implementation until now.
The six-month course intends to bridge the gap by teaching homeopaths pharmacology, giving them limited permission to treat patients using modern drugs.
Strong Opposition from Indian Medical Association
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the move. “This is absolutely wrong and we are against it as it will hoodwink patients and dilute modern medical practices,” said Dr Shivkumar Utture, national vice president of the IMA. He added that the policy is currently subjudice, and the Bombay High Court has granted a stay after IMA filed an application.
IMA’s primary concern is that basic knowledge of pharmacology without an understanding of disease pathophysiology, diagnostics, or systemic treatment would endanger public health.
Public Outrage: ‘Playing With Lives of People’
The decision triggered massive criticism on social media, with users expressing anger over the perceived threat to patient safety. One user wrote, “Why do homeopaths who claim zero side effects want to prescribe allopathy full of side effects?” Another post read, “If just studying pharmacology was enough, let’s create nurse practitioners like in the West—this is not how medicine works in India.”
Others described the move as “playing with lives” and questioned the government’s intent behind such cross-practice permissions.
Policy Now Under Legal Review
While the government claims the move is part of broader reforms to increase healthcare access, medical professionals and citizens warn it could lead to misdiagnoses, misuse of drugs, and erosion of public trust. The Bombay High Court’s stay on the matter has temporarily paused implementation, pending further hearings.
