BHMS-CCMP row: IMA JDN urges Centre to keep registrations in abeyance pending court order

Mumbai: The Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (IMA JDN) has urged Union Health Minister J P Nadda to intervene in the ongoing issue concerning the registration of BHMS-CCMP practitioners with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and requested the authorities to keep the registration in abeyance until the Bombay High Court delivers its decision.

In a letter dated August 8, 2026, IMA JDN said the matter is currently under consideration before the Bombay High Court, while the registration process for BHMS-CCMP practitioners has already been initiated and registration certificates are reportedly being issued.

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Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has urged the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to immediately roll back the proposed registration of Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) certified BHMS practitioners with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), while extending full support to the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) statewide withdrawal of routine medical services from August 5, 2026.

The association expressed concern over the registrations being processed while the matter remains pending before the court, stating that this action could lead to regulatory and professional complications depending on the outcome of the court proceedings.

“We are deeply concerned about the registration process while the matter is under judicial consideration. We feel it's a move to grant registrations before the Hon'ble Court gives its final decision, potentially creating regulatory and professional issues in the future,” the letter stated.

The association said its primary concern is patient safety and maintaining the standards of modern medicine. It noted that MBBS doctors undergo several years of structured education and clinical training in modern medicine, including clinical postings, internships and supervised patient care.

IMA JDN argued that a short-term bridge course should not be treated as equivalent to the comprehensive undergraduate training received by an MBBS graduate in modern medicine.

It also opposed the argument that allowing practitioners trained primarily in another system of medicine to practise modern medicine would be an appropriate response to the shortage of doctors in rural and underserved areas.

According to IMA JDN, MBBS doctors are already serving at primary health centres and other government healthcare facilities across Maharashtra and called for greater focus on strengthening the existing workforce and healthcare infrastructure.

“Every recognised system of medicine has its own curriculum, training requirements and defined scope of practice. Maintaining a clear distinction between different systems of medicine is essential for patient awareness, professional accountability, appropriate treatment and safe medical practice,” the association said.

The IMA JDN has therefore sought the intervention of the Union Health Ministry and requested that the concerned authorities refrain from proceeding with further MMC registrations of BHMS-CCMP practitioners until the Bombay High Court delivers its final judgment.

The organisation said it had “full faith in the judicial process” and maintained that awaiting the court's decision would be the appropriate course before taking any step that could have long-term implications for medical practice, professional standards and patient care.

Copies of the representation were also sent to the Maharashtra chief minister, the state minister for medical education and the president of the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The issue has also drawn reactions from other organisations. In a recent post on X, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said it stood with Maharashtra doctors in seeking a review of the decision allowing BHMS practitioners to practise allopathic medicine.

“Protecting the Medical Council's Act is vital to uphold rigorous standards and ensure patient safety nationwide,” the association added.

Dr Harshad Sharma, a state executive member of the IMA, also called for an end to the registration of homeopathy-CCMP graduates with the Maharashtra Medical Council, saying, “Patient safety cannot be compromised.”

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