Central MARD urges CM to halt CCMP-BHMS registration; IMA Maharashtra announces 24-hour protest

The Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (Central MARD) has called on the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene swiftly to prevent Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) trained BHMS doctors from being registered by Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). The resident doctors' body stated in the representation that the proposal raises concerns related to patient safety, medical practice and statutory medical regulation.

In a letter to the CM, central MARD said it had sent several representations and met the authorities and expressed its concern that none of the issues had been resolved. The organization has termed the new representation as its last bid before they launch a planned nationwide democratic organisation agitation.

Central MARD asked the Maharashtra government to suspend all processing and registration of CCMP-approved BHMS doctors till further notice and to place the proposal on hold, pending further action by the state authorities. It also requested the Government to ensure that no executive action legitimises the cross-practice beyond what is legally recognized in a system of medicine.

Central MARD demonstrates concerns and demands

This movement is not against Homeopathy or any recognized system of medicine, the Central MARD pointed out. All recognised systems of medicine had their own educational curriculum and statutory bodies and scope of practice, and that practitioners should only work in the scope of their own education, training and registration.

Also read FMGE 2026: Protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday; examinees demand exam review, facilities on par with NEET

The association also said that a shortage of the healthcare workforce or administrative difficulties should not result in compromises of professional standards. It has demanded improved public healthcare through recruitment and upgradation of infrastructure, and the resolution of long pending issues of resident doctors.

Several issues on recruitment, service conditions, stipend, infrastructure, workplace safety and academic welfare were still pending which were repeatedly represented. It will begin a nationwide pullout of routine medical care on August 5, 2026, but emergency, casualty and life-saving services will be provided during the first 24 hours.

IMA Maharashtra calls for 24-hour protest in Maharashtra

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra State in a notice has announced that they have withdrawn their medical services for 24 hours in protest of the proposed Bhopal registration of MMC (BHMS doctors after completion of CCMP course). The protest has been organised with support from MARD and ASMI and speciality medical organisations.

The proposed registration, which is being sponsored by the IMA Maharashtra and other speciality medical associations, is viewed by the allopathic medical community as a threat to standards, integrity and scientific basis of the current system of medicine and could have significant long-term implications for the consumers' health and safety, the notice reads.

Also read SC raps NCAHP, states for not framing regulations, setting up councils for allied health sciences

Repeated communications, letters, representations and press conferences have not been able to sufficiently address the concerns raised by the medical fraternity. The protest will start at 6 am on August 4 and end at 6 am August 5. The association also stated that it would be withdrawing services forever if it was going to start the registration process. The organisation called on its members to stay united and the protest was being staged to ensure patients' safety, public health and scientific and ethical standards in medical practice.