Homoeopathic Doctors in Maharashtra Launch Hunger Strike Amid Registration Suspensions

Strategic Insights -

More than 9,000 homoeopathic doctors in Maharashtra, who were qualified under the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on July 16 to protest the state government's sudden suspension of their registrations. The protest is supported by over 90,000 homoeopathic doctors, teachers, and students from medical colleges across the state. The government's suspension was prompted by concerns over patient safety and the issue of cross-pathy, where one system of medicine prescribes another. The protesting doctors are demanding immediate reinstatement of their registrations, withdrawal of the suspension orders, and greater representation of BHMS doctors in any future review panels.

Key Takeaways:

  • 9,000 homoeopathic doctors in Maharashtra will begin a hunger strike at Azad Maidan to protest the suspension of their registrations.
  • Over 90,000 homoeopathic doctors, teachers, and students from medical colleges across the state are supporting the protest.
  • The Maharashtra government suspended the registration process due to concerns over patient safety and cross-pathy.
  • The protesting doctors are demanding reinstatement of their registrations, withdrawal of suspension orders, and greater representation of BHMS doctors in any future review panels.
  • The protest leaders have urged lawmakers to raise the issue in the Monsoon Assembly Session and have called on public representatives to visit Azad Maidan between July 16 and 18.
  • The doctors have pledged to continue peaceful and legal protests until the registration process for CCMP-qualified practitioners is fully restored.
  • The protest was led by Dr. Azaz Ahmed Khan, a practising BHMS doctor holding a CCMP certificate, and Dr. Bahubali Shah, the government-appointed administrator of the Homoeopathic Council.
  • The protesting doctors are insisting that the suspension is unfair and undermines a programme backed by amendments to multiple State Acts and recognised by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Statistics:

  • 9,000 homoeopathic doctors in Maharashtra are participating in the hunger strike.
  • Over 90,000 homoeopathic doctors, teachers, and students from medical colleges across the state are supporting the protest.
  • 7 members have been appointed to a study committee of experts from both allopathy and homoeopathy, including only one BHMS representative.
  • The hunger strike will continue indefinitely until the registration process is fully restored.
  • The protest leaders are calling on public representatives to visit Azad Maidan between July 16 and 18.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com
  • Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC)
  • Indian Medical Association (IMA)