Maharashtra puts BHMS bridge course CCMP on hold amid doctors’ protests

The Maharashtra government has put on hold the issuance of certificates under the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP), which allows registered homoeopathic medical practitioners to practise modern medicine in a limited capacity. In a letter dated August 18 addressed to the Maharashtra Medical Council, the state Department of Medical Education and Drugs said that, in view of various meetings and orders received in the matter, certificate issuance would remain suspended.

This has been done taking into consideration the strikes by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) and their impact on healthcare services. However, the letter itself does not explicitly state that the suspension was ordered solely because of the protests. It specifically cites the strikes and their impact on healthcare services. The government said the certificates would be issued only after the procedure was finalised or a final decision was received from the court.

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CCMP scheme

The CCMP scheme has been an issue among sections of medical fraternity , with doctors and medical organisations opposing the proposal to allow homoeopathic practitioners to undertake limited practice of modern medicine. According to the representation cited by doctors, the matter is pending a final verdict before the Bombay High Court, and further official directions are awaited.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) on August 5 began an indefinite statewide strike over the government’s proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homoeopathy practitioners under the BHMS-CCMP framework. MARD had demanded that the registration process be suspended until the court delivers its final verdict, citing the absence of a clear legal, regulatory and scientifically validated framework. It had warned that if no resolution was reached, all resident doctor services, including emergency care, would be withdrawn from August 6. The protest followed an MMC notification issued on June 30 permitting homoeopaths to prescribe modern medicines after completing the six-month CCMP course.

Maharashtra govt's order The government’s latest communication comes amid protests and strikes by doctors against the proposed bridge course. The move has been described by sections of the medical fraternity as a result of sustained opposition from doctors and medical organisations, including the IMA and MARD.

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Reactions on social media

The proposed CCMP had triggered concerns among modern medicine practitioners over the scope of practice and patient safety, while supporters have argued that additional training could help address healthcare needs, particularly in areas with limited access to doctors.

Sharing the order Dr Dhruv Chauhan, National Spokesperson for the Indian Medical Association JDN, wrote, "We won’t let this bridge course be implemented ever. Will unite doctors and ensure justice peacefully for our rights."

An X user claiming to be a doctor posted, "It's a long journey and needs legislative change to stop this CCMP/MMC mix-up. No other state has it."

Another doctor posted, "BHMS, BAMS & MBBS. Respect all, but they are not equivalent. Every degree has its own curriculum, clinical training, regulatory framework, and scope of practice. BHMS ≠ BAMS ≠ MBBS. This is not about disrespecting any profession. Professional respect does not mean educational equivalence.For patient safety and medical integrity, the discussion should be based on evidence, training, competency, and law not slogans."

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Another user commented, 'Whose idea was this anyway?' Give him an award. How can one get so stupid? Can an engineer too get a crash course to practise as an architect? Absurdity has no level in this country."

With certificate issuance now on hold, the next steps will depend on the finalisation of the government’s procedure and the outcome of the court proceedings.