The Maharashtra government formed a six-member panel to establish registration rules and competencies for BHMS-CCMP doctors practicing allopathy under a separate MMC register. In response, the Indian Medical Association and resident doctor groups launched statewide medical strikes, citing public safety concerns and demanding a halt until court proceedings conclude. Medical
MUMBAI, India — The Maharashtra Government issued a Government Resolution (GR) on August 3, 2026, constituting a six-member committee to frame registration rules, competencies, and standard operating procedures for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) practitioners holding a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). Issued by the Medical Education and Drugs Department, the resolution directs the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to initiate conditional registration of BHMS-CCMP doctors in a separate register, subject to ongoing court proceedings. In response, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra chapter, supported by the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and other medical bodies, declared a 24-hour statewide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services starting August 4, with MARD threatening an indefinite strike starting August 5.
Government Resolution and Six-Member Panel Mandate
According to the Government Resolution issued by the Medical Education and Drugs Department, the state government directed the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to commence conditional registration for BHMS graduates who completed the one-year CCMP program. The order cites 2014 statutory amendments and interim directives from the High Court allowing registration in a separate register while writ petitions 7846/2014 and 7847/2014 remain pending final judicial determination.
To govern this framework, the government established a six-member expert committee chaired by the Commissioner of Medical Education and Research. The panel includes:
Chairperson: Commissioner of Medical Education and Research (MER).
Technical Members: Nominees from the Director of MER and the Directorate of AYUSH (Homeopathy branch).
Council Representatives: Registrars of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, and the Maharashtra Homeopathy Council, Mumbai.
Member Secretary: Registrar of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), Mumbai.
The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within one month. Its responsibilities include defining core clinical competencies for BHMS-CCMP practitioners, drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle medical negligence complaints, creating an ethical regulatory framework, and recommending mechanisms regarding separate register maintenance and election participation rights within the MMC.
| Panel Aspect | Policy Details |
| Issuing Authority | Medical Education and Drugs Department, Government of Maharashtra |
| Committee Chair | Commissioner of Medical Education and Research (MER) |
| Core Objective | Define competencies, SOPs for negligence, and ethics for BHMS-CCMP registration rules |
| Reporting Timeline | One month from constitution |
| Legal Basis | Subject to ongoing High Court writ petitions (7846/2014 and 7847/2014) |
Opposition From Modern Medicine Associations and Strike Call
The decision to grant MMC registration to homeopathy doctors practicing allopathy—a practice critics refer to as "mixopathy"—drew immediate opposition from allopathic medical organizations across Maharashtra. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra State, alongside Central MARD, the Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), and the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers Association (MSMTA), announced a statewide 24-hour protest starting at 6:00 AM on August 4, 2026.
The IMA stated that permitting non-allopathic practitioners to prescribe modern pharmaceuticals compromises evidence-based medical standards, dilution of training requirements, and public health safety. Furthermore, Central MARD submitted a representation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding an immediate stay on the BHMS-CCMP registration process until the High Court issues its final verdict. MARD confirmed that while casualty and emergency life-saving services would remain operational during the initial phase, routine Outpatient Department (OPD) services and elective surgeries across government medical college hospitals would be suspended indefinitely starting August 5 if the resolution is not withdrawn.
Healthcare Impact on Patients and Public Facilities
The sudden withdrawal of medical services across public and private hospitals has significantly impacted healthcare delivery in major urban centers, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Elective operations were rescheduled, and thousands of outpatients faced delays at primary and tertiary care government medical colleges.
While emergency wards and intensive care units (ICUs) maintained skeleton staffing during the initial 24 hours, senior health administrators warned that an extended strike by resident doctors could severely disrupt public healthcare infrastructure throughout Maharashtra. Patient advocacy groups urged immediate state intervention to prevent prolonged disruption to essential services.
Official Sources Section
Regulatory orders, committee mandates, and official protest announcements cited in this report were verified through official government releases published by the Medical Education and Drugs Department, statutory updates from the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), official directives from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), and public press statements released by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Official Quote Section
According to official government resolutions and statements from medical representatives, the policy debate centers on regulatory jurisdiction and patient safety standards.
IMA State Leadership stated: "In 2025, the medical education minister assured us that the government would not proceed with CCMP-BHMS registrations under MMC until the court decides on the matter. The decision to issue fresh registration orders compromises the standards, integrity, and scientific foundation of evidence-based modern medicine, with serious long-term consequences for public health."
According to officials at the Maharashtra Homeopathy Council: "The Government Resolution ordered MMC to begin registration with immediate effect, subject to the ongoing court outcome. The council must comply with clear state instructions to recognize practitioners who completed the prescribed course."
Why It Matters
The regulatory dispute highlights a fundamental clash over healthcare workforce integration in India. Proponents argue that certifying BHMS doctors in modern pharmacology expands medical coverage in rural and underserved districts. Conversely, modern medicine associations contend that cross-system practice without standardized MBBS training risks clinical errors, degrades medical regulation, and subverts ongoing judicial review.
Key Facts at a Glance
Government Resolution: Maharashtra issued an order directing the MMC to open a separate register for BHMS-CCMP doctors.
Six-Member Panel: A committee chaired by the MER Commissioner was given one month to frame competency rules and negligence SOPs.
Statewide Strike: IMA Maharashtra and Central MARD initiated a 24-hour withdrawal of routine OPD services on August 4, 2026.
Judicial Context: Registration remains conditional and subject to final judgments in pending High Court writ petitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the BHMS-CCMP registration controversy in Maharashtra?
The controversy stems from a state Government Resolution directing the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to conditionally register homeopathy (BHMS) doctors who completed a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), allowing them to practice modern medicine.
Why are modern medicine doctors and the IMA protesting?
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and resident doctor associations contend that allowing non-MBBS practitioners to prescribe allopathic drugs dilutes medical education standards, risks patient safety, and circumvents pending court decisions.
What is the role of the newly formed six-member panel?
The panel chaired by the MER Commissioner is tasked with defining clinical competencies, drafting standard operating procedures for medical negligence complaints, and framing an ethical framework for BHMS-CCMP registration rules within one month.
Where can citizens and medical professionals verify official government updates?
Official notifications can be accessed directly on the web portals of the Medical Education and Drugs Department and the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
Source: Official Government Resolutions published by the Medical Education and Drugs Department, regulatory circulars from the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), notifications from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), and public disclosures by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
