CCMP registration row escalates in Maharashtra as IMA, Homeopaths threaten strike
Doctors
Mumbai: The dispute between homeopaths and allopathy doctors continues in Maharashtra over the direction issued to the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to grant registration to BHMS practitioners who have done a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).
Associations representing both sides have warned to initiate strike- one demanding immediate registration and the other opposing it. Amid this, the State Government has called a meeting on Tuesday to temper down the tensions between the associations representing Homeopaths and the Maharashtra chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), TOI has reported.
When the Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif instructed the medical council to begin the registration process for the CCMP-BHMS medical practitioners, a meeting was held on Thursday. However, the Council could not do it on Monday, and meanwhile fresh threats of a strike were issued by two associations by the evening. Consequently, the Government called for another meeting on Tuesday.
Also Read: Around 1.8 lakh doctors strike in Maharashtra against Homeopath-CCMP registration
Commenting on the matter, Maharashtra medical council registrar Dr Rajesh Waghmare told the Times of India, "About 15 representatives from both sides will put forward their arguments during the meeting that has been organised because both parties are threatening to protest. The govt wants them to reconcile. A decision will be taken on CCMP-BHMS medical practitioners’ registration for which 2,000 applications have been received."
Meanwhile, accusing IMA of delaying the registrations through undue influence over state medical council, the homeopathy associations on Monday threatened to march to the MMC office in Mumbai.
Speaking to TOI, the President of CCMP Homeopathic Doctors Association, Maharashtra, Dr Balkrishna Gaikwad said, ”An indefinite protest will commence, if MMC does not grant registration to CCMP-qualified doctors. In 2014, the govt had amended the law to authorise CCMP-qualified homeopathic doctors to practice modern medicine. Subsequently, thousands of doctors completed the necessary training and met all eligibility criteria. However, the issue of MMC registration has remained pending for years. During the Thursday meeting, Mushrif again instructed MMC to begin registrations and abide by the govt’s previous circular. However, the council stalled the process.
Mentioning how numerous CCMP-qualified practitioners from various parts of Maharashtra waited outside the MMC office on Monday for registration that did not happen, he added, "They have repeatedly submitted representations, held meetings and followed up with the govt and MMC, but no concrete decision has been reached, so far. Govt of Maharashtra, medical education department and the medical council must intervene immediately and ensure justice. Otherwise, the scope of the protest will spread across Maharashtra and the concerned administration will bear full responsibility for the consequences."
On the other hand, IMA Maharashtra has also warned of initiating agitation if MMC registrations are given to CCMP-BHMS practitioners. Issuing a statement on Monday evening, the assiciation said, "It has come to our notice that some homeopathy doctors are attempting to obtain registration from MMC by staging a sit-in protest. The government must not make any attempt to yield to such pressure and grant even a single registration to BHMS practitioners. We strongly condemn any such move. Such an act is illogical, unscientific, and likely to have an adverse impact on public health. Therefore, IMA Maharashtra State, MARD, ASMI, MSN, JDN, and other like-minded medical associations are issuing a clear warning that if the government proceeds with any such decision, the doctor members of all these organisations will begin an immediate withdrawal of services from tomorrow morning. Outpatient services as well as emergency services will also be shut down."
"This decision has not been taken in the heat of emotion. It arises from serious concern over patient safety, professional standards in the medical profession, and the long-term consequences of any policy decision that blurs the distinction between different systems of medicine and undermines the importance of qualified allopathic medical care. We call upon the Government of Maharashtra to immediately reconsider any such move. A detailed programme of agitation and further course of action will be announced shortly," the statement further mentioned.
Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (Central MARD) has also opposed any proposal to grant MMC registration to BHMS practitioners, pointing out that any such decision would undermine the regulatory framework governing modern medicine, compromise patient safety, and dilute the standards of evidence-based healthcare.
"The demand for MMC registration through protests or any other form of pressure cannot be a basis for altering statutory norms. Registration with the Medical Council must remain exclusive to those who have undergone the prescribed education and training in modern scientific medicine. Resident doctors across Maharashtra view this issue as one of public interest rather than professional rivalry. The integrity of medical education, patient safety, and the legal framework governing medical practice must not be compromised by decisions that blur the boundaries between distinct systems of medicine," MARD mentioned in a Press Release.
"In solidarity with IMA Maharashtra State, ASMI, MSN, JDN, and other medical organisations, Central MARD urges the Government of Maharashtra to reject any proposal permitting such registrations. Should the Government proceed with this decision despite widespread opposition from the medical fraternity, resident doctors, in coordination with supporting medical organisations, will be compelled to initiate statewide protest actions. If required, this may include the withdrawal of outpatient and emergency medical services. The detailed schedule and nature of the agitation will be announced separately," the release further added.
The CCMP course was started based on the Government Resolution dated 13.03.2014. The course was conducted under the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik. After successful completion, eligible homeopathic practitioners received training in allopathic (modern) medicine to serve in public healthcare services.
In 2014, the Maharashtra Medical Council issued a notice in which the council was given the authority to ask all doctors who have completed the CCMP course to register with the council. Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that back in 2017, the Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department had passed a notification, allowing Homoeopathy practitioners across the State to practice modern medicine. As per the special notification issued on 27th September 2017, doctors who obtained the Licentiate of Court of Examiners of Homeopathy (LCEH) degree from 1951-1982, could register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
However, this directive was strongly opposed by allopathic doctors in the state, who questioned how homeopaths could be permitted to register with the Medical Council. They argued that this could jeopardize patient safety and even threatened to strike if the order was implemented.
