Maharashtra rolls back order allowing homeopaths to practise allopathy, forms review panel

The Maharashtra government has reversed its contentious decision to allow homeopathic practitioners to prescribe modern medicine, opting instead to set up a seven-member expert committee to review the matter within two months.

The move follows growing concern from the medical community over the implications for patient safety and legal validity.

The committee comprises officials from the medical education department, AYUSH directorates, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, and registrars from both the modern medicine and homeopathy councils.

However, the decision to review — rather than scrap — the order has failed to appease either side. Neither the Indian Medical Association (IMA) nor homeopath groups have committed to accepting the panel’s recommendation if it goes against their respective positions.

“While the committee can study the subject matter, their decision will not be accepted if it is against public interest. The court's decision will be final for us. We have faith in the judiciary,” said IMA (Maharashtra) president Santosh Kadam.

Kadam pointed to the pending legal challenge against the 2014 amendments to the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and the Maharashtra Medical Council Act of 1965, which lie at the heart of the current dispute.

The backlash was triggered by a recent order that would have permitted homeopaths to practise allopathy after completing a one-year pharmacology course. Over the past ten days, doctors and medical associations across the state raised alarms, warning that such a move could endanger public health.

Homeopathy representatives also criticised the new panel, questioning its neutrality.

“There is no faith in the committee set up as no homeopath is on it; they have put a clerk instead,” said Bahubali Shah, administrator of the Maharashtra Homoeopathic Council.

With both camps rejecting the authority of the committee, the final word on the issue may ultimately rest with the Bombay High Court, where the legal battle over cross-system practice continues.

(With inputs from ToI)