A long-running debate over "mixopathy" has once again intensified in Maharashtra after the state government began granting Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homeopathic doctors who have completed the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).
The decision has sparked an indefinite protest by doctors from the modern medicine fraternity, who argue that the issue goes beyond prescribing rights and instead concerns the legal recognition of practitioners under the state's medical regulatory framework.
Medical associations claim the move blurs the distinction between different systems of medicine, while the government maintains that the bridge course enhances the skills of qualified practitioners.
What Is the CCMP Course?
The Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) is a bridge course designed for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) graduates.
Conducted over approximately one year through weekend classes, the programme primarily focuses on pharmacology and the use of selected modern medicines.
Around 10,000 homeopathic doctors are estimated to have completed the course over the years.
While the course has existed for more than a decade, Maharashtra recently started issuing Maharashtra Medical Council registrations to eligible CCMP-qualified practitioners, leading to widespread opposition from MBBS doctors.
Why Are MBBS Doctors Opposing the Decision?
Modern medicine doctors insist that the controversy is not about allowing limited prescription of allopathic medicines.
Several Indian states, including Maharashtra, have already allowed Ayurvedic practitioners to prescribe certain emergency and primary care medicines under specific regulations.
However, doctors argue that those practitioners are not registered under medical councils that regulate MBBS doctors.
Their primary concern is that granting MMC registration to BHMS graduates may create confusion regarding professional recognition and regulatory oversight.
According to protesting doctors, registration under the Maharashtra Medical Council could lead patients to believe that CCMP-qualified practitioners possess training equivalent to an MBBS degree, despite differences in medical education and clinical training.
Legal Battle Continues Since 2014
The issue is not new.
In 2014, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and members of the Maharashtra Medical Council challenged the government's decision before the Bombay High Court.
Although the High Court allowed the bridge course to continue, the larger legal question regarding registration remains unresolved.
The Supreme Court later directed the High Court to expedite the matter in 2019, but the case is still pending.
Medical associations argue that while state governments can permit limited prescribing rights under public health regulations, recognition and registration of modern medicine practitioners fall under central legislation governed by bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Regulatory Questions Remain Unanswered
Doctors opposing the policy have also raised concerns over accountability.
They argue that if a patient alleges medical negligence against a CCMP-qualified practitioner using modern medicines, it remains unclear whether disciplinary action would fall under the Maharashtra Medical Council or the National Commission for Homoeopathy.
Medical associations say this regulatory ambiguity could create complications in professional accountability and patient safety.
Concerns Over Clinical Training
Critics of the policy argue that prescribing medicines is only one aspect of medical practice.
They say diagnosis, emergency management, recognising complications, and handling adverse drug reactions require extensive clinical exposure that comes through years of MBBS education and supervised hospital training.
Doctors have also questioned attendance monitoring and implementation standards of the CCMP programme, alleging that many participants continue full-time practice while completing the course.
Public Health Concerns
Medical organisations have linked the issue to India's growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge.
According to protesting doctors, expanding prescribing authority without comparable clinical training may increase irrational antibiotic usage, further contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
They say the policy should prioritise patient safety and ensure uniform standards of medical practice.
Questions Over Timing
The latest controversy has also prompted questions about the timing of the government's decision.
Medical associations point out that similar discussions often emerge around the admission season for BHMS colleges.
Maharashtra has dozens of private homeopathy colleges admitting thousands of students every year, making the sector a significant part of the state's medical education ecosystem.
Some doctors argue that granting MMC registration could make BHMS courses more attractive to prospective students, although no official evidence has established such a connection.
Government Faces Questions on Implementation
Doctors have also questioned the implementation process.
According to the protesting associations, the government began issuing registrations before finalising the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prepared by a committee formed specifically for the process.
Critics argue that regulatory guidelines should have been completed before registrations commenced.
The protests have received support from several national medical organisations, which have urged the government to suspend implementation until the legal issues are resolved.
What Happens Next?
The controversy is expected to remain in focus as the Bombay High Court continues to hear the long-pending case.
Its eventual ruling could have implications not only for Maharashtra but also for future policies involving bridge courses and the regulation of different systems of medicine across India.
For now, the debate extends beyond prescribing rights and centres on medical registration, regulatory jurisdiction, patient safety, and the broader framework governing healthcare professionals in the country.
