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Health
Maharashtra Permits Homeopathy Doctors to Prescribe Modern Drugs, IMA Calls for Strike
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 05 Aug 2026, 07:48 PM
👁 5
Maharashtra has, for the first time, authorized homeopathy practitioners to prescribe allopathic medicines. The Indian Medical Association has responded by calling for a strike and issuing warnings.
Maharashtra’s health department announced a landmark policy change that permits homeopathy doctors to prescribe modern, allopathic medicines. The decision marks the first instance in the state where practitioners of alternative medicine are granted the authority to write prescriptions for conventional drugs.
The move is aimed at expanding treatment options for patients, allowing homeopathy practitioners to refer patients to modern therapies when necessary. It also reflects a broader trend of integrating complementary medicine with mainstream healthcare.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reacted strongly, calling for a strike and warning that the decision could undermine medical standards. The IMA’s statement indicates concerns over patient safety and professional boundaries.
The policy is expected to be implemented in the coming months, with guidelines to be issued for training and oversight. The state government has stated that the new framework will include strict regulatory measures to ensure safe prescribing practices.
The move is aimed at expanding treatment options for patients, allowing homeopathy practitioners to refer patients to modern therapies when necessary. It also reflects a broader trend of integrating complementary medicine with mainstream healthcare.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reacted strongly, calling for a strike and warning that the decision could undermine medical standards. The IMA’s statement indicates concerns over patient safety and professional boundaries.
The policy is expected to be implemented in the coming months, with guidelines to be issued for training and oversight. The state government has stated that the new framework will include strict regulatory measures to ensure safe prescribing practices.