In a move that has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals, senior doctors across the country have strongly criticised the recent decision by the Maharashtra State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowing homeopaths who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology to prescribe allopathic medicines.

Although the decision was initially made two months ago, the final order was issued only recently, drawing immediate backlash from the medical community.

The Maharashtra State government had, in 2014, issued a notification amending the Maharashtra Medical Homoeopathic Practitioner’s Act of 1965.

This amendment permits homeopathic practitioners to prescribe allopathic treatments once they complete the approved pharmacology course.

RV Asokan, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), expressed his outrage, stating that the Maharashtra IMA plans to challenge the order in court.

"What are we to say when governments ignore the health consequences of such a decision? Both 'mixopathy' and 'crosspathy' are dangerous practices. Governments have fostered an environment where such decisions are made with little regard for public health," The Hindu reported quoting Asokan.

Public health activist Babu KV. also voiced concerns, describing the amendment as rushed and questioning its legal foundation.

"The FDA's decision contradicts a 2016 court ruling stemming from a writ petition by Pune IMA. We hope this order will be reversed," he said.

Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the Kerala State IMA’s research cell, stressed that the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum is the universally recognised standard for training individuals to prescribe modern medicines.

He argued that homeopathy, based on principles that do not align with the evidence-based practices of modern medicine, should not be intertwined with allopathic treatments.

"Only those who have completed an MBBS and are licensed to practise modern medicine should be permitted to prescribe allopathic medicines. A certificate course cannot replicate the extensive education provided by an MBBS degree. Likewise, modern medical practitioners should not be prescribing homeopathic or Ayurvedic remedies without undergoing the appropriate training," The Hindu further reported quoting Jayadevan.

Doctors across the nation have warned that such decisions risk undermining global healthcare standards, urging against the introduction of shortcuts, such as certificate courses, that compromise the integrity of medical practices.

The debate over the FDA’s decision continues to intensify, with many fearing that this change could set a dangerous precedent for the future of healthcare in the country.

ALSO READ : Fake Doctor Arrested From An Assam Tea Estate