Maharashtra Doctors Strike Over Government Approval for Homeopath Registrations

Quick Summary

• Doctors across Maharashtra held a 24-hour strike on September 18, 2025, protesting the State government’s decision to allow registration of homeopathic doctors with certificates in modern pharmacology to prescribe allopathic medicines.
• Approximately 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors participated in the strike, including those working in private hospitals; however, emergency and critical care services remained operational.
• the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra objected strongly, citing patient safety concerns and risks to healthcare quality from such policies.
• The controversy stems from a directive earlier this year allowing certified homeopaths who completed a one-year Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to register with the Maharashtra medical Council (MMC).
• Following an initial protest by the IMA and meetings with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the notification was temporarily withdrawn but was revived via a government resolution issued on September 5.
• Multiple medical organizations across Maharashtra have joined in opposing this decision.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The policy permitting certified homeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines has sparked contentious debate within Maharashtra’s healthcare landscape.While proponents may view it as an effort towards interdisciplinary integration or addressing doctor shortages, critics argue that such measures could compromise patient safety due to insufficient training among non-allopathic practitioners. The scale of opposition-evident from participation by major medical associations-highlights deep-seated discontent among qualified practitioners concerned about professional standards.

From an administrative standpoint, while revisiting policies can be crucial for inclusivity or adaptability within medicine, this approach may require notable consultation with stakeholders like IMA before implementation. As emergency services were maintained during the strike, essential healthcare delivery remained unaffected-a move that reflects responsible restraint even amidst protests. Looking forward, transparency and evidence-based reforms should remain central priorities for policymakers navigating sensitive decisions affecting India’s health infrastructure.

Read more: doctors slam Maharashtra government’s decision