Homeopaths can prescribe allopathic meds, says Maharashtra FDA | India News

MUMBAI: Homeopaths who have completed a certified course in modern pharmacology can prescribe allopathic medicines, according to directions issued by the Food and Drugs Authority of Maharashtra to chemical retailers and wholesalers in the state on Thursday.
The FDA’s directive comes nearly a decade after the state government changed the definition of registered medical doctor under the Maharashtra Medical Council Act to include homeopaths. The FDA order states that “all retail and wholesale drug distributors may sell allopathic medicines to homeopathic registered physicians who have completed their courses, and retail drug distributors may sell medicines based on prescriptions issued by these physicians.” “We can sell it,” he said.
Homeopathic doctors, led by Dr Baahubali Shah, administrator of the Maharashtra Homeopathic Council, are happy with the move that has enabled them to practice modern medicine virtually. However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is outraged by this and plans to take legal action against the ‘mixed syndrome’. Dr Santosh Kadam, president of IMA Maharashtra, told TOI, “We moved the court when we were given permission to operate in the court, but the matter remains beyond the jurisdiction of the judiciary. We “We also intend to take up the FDA directive in court.”
On Friday, FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar said there was confusion among chemists about allopathic prescriptions written by homeopaths. “Our directive specifies that in 2016, the government changed the definition of a registered medical practitioner to include homeopaths who have passed a certified course in modern pharmacology recognized by the state government,” he said.