MUMBAI: Homeopaths who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology can prescribe allopathic medicines, according to a directive issued by Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to chemist retailers and wholesalers in the state.
The FDA directive comes almost a decade after the state govt changed definition of registered medical practitioners under Maharashtra Medical Council Act to include homeopaths. “All retail and wholesale drug dealers can sell allopathic medicines to homeopathic registered doctors who completed the course, and retail drug dealers can sell drugs on prescription issued by these doctors,” said FDA’s order.
Homeopathic doctors, led by Maharashtra Homeopathic Council administrator Dr Bahubali Shah, were happy with the move that effectively allows them to now practise modern medicine. However, Indian Medical Association (IMA) is upset and plans to take legal recourse against “mixopathies.” IMA Maharashtra president Dr Santosh Kadam told TOI, “We moved the courts when permission was given for them to practise, and the matter is still sub-judice. We will take up the FDA directive in court as well.”
On Friday, FDA commissioner Rajesh Narvekar said there was confusion among chemists about allopathic prescriptions written by homeopaths. “Our directive clearly states govt in 2016 changed definition of registered medical practitioner to include homeopaths who passed a certificate course in modern pharmacology recognised by state govt,” he said.