HEALTHCARE

Maharashtra Standoff Over BHMS Doctors’ Right to Prescribe Modern Medicine

A dispute between the Indian Medical Association and practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine in Maharashtra has intensified, as BHMS doctors who completed a one‑year modern pharmacology course demand registration to prescribe allopathic drugs. The IMA warns the move could jeopardise patient safety, while the state government seeks a compromise.

By Open Vaartha Desk · 2026-08-06

TL;DR

Maharashtra’s BHMS doctors seek the right to prescribe modern medicines after a pharmacology course, sparking opposition from the IMA over safety and standards.

Key points

BHMS doctors with a one‑year modern pharmacology certificate demand registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council
The IMA opposes the move, calling it "mixopathy" and warning of compromised patient safety
Protests by BHMS practitioners have intensified, while the IMA threatens service disruptions
The Maharashtra government is attempting to mediate a solution between the two sides

Tensions are escalating in Maharashtra over a contentious proposal that would allow graduates of the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) programme, who have completed a one‑year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology, to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council and prescribe allopathic medicines.The BHMS community argues that the additional pharmacology training equips them to provide essential modern medicines, especially in underserved regions where doctor shortages are acute. They contend that permitting such cross‑practice could expand healthcare access and enable them to deliver emergency care, thereby addressing gaps in the public health system.The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing allopathic physicians, has mounted a strong opposition, labeling the initiative "mixopathy." According to the IMA, a single year of pharmacology cannot replace the comprehensive five‑and‑a‑half‑year MBBS curriculum that includes extensive clinical training, internships, and exposure to a broad spectrum of medical disciplines. The association warns that allowing BHMS practitioners to prescribe modern drugs could erode medical standards, create confusion over professional qualifications, and ultimately compromise patient safety.The disagreement has moved beyond rhetoric. BHMS doctors have staged sit‑in protests at various medical institutions and government offices, demanding that the state recognise their right to practice modern medicine after completing the pharmacology course. In response, the IMA has cautioned that any policy shift could lead to service disruptions, hinting at potential strikes or reduced participation in public health programmes.The Maharashtra government, caught between the two professional bodies, has announced efforts to mediate the conflict. Officials have indicated a willingness to explore a regulatory framework that might allow limited prescribing rights under strict supervision, though no concrete proposal has been presented yet. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how India balances traditional systems of medicine with the demands of modern healthcare delivery.The debate touches on broader issues: the shortage of qualified allopathic doctors in rural areas, the role of alternative medicine practitioners in the national health ecosystem, and the regulatory mechanisms that safeguard patient welfare. Stakeholders on both sides agree that any resolution must prioritize safety and accessibility, but they differ sharply on how to achieve that balance.Public commentary has been invited, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue. Observers note that similar disputes have arisen in other Indian states, highlighting a nationwide tension between expanding healthcare access and maintaining rigorous professional standards.As negotiations continue, the medical community and the public await a decision that could reshape the landscape of medical practice in Maharashtra and potentially influence policy across the country.