‘Preserve modern medicine’: Medical education minister opposes CCMP registration of homeopathy doctors

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) along with the state’s medical education minister Hasan Mushrif reviewed the MMC’s CCMP decision and affirmed that only MBBS doctors should practice modern medicine.

According to the official MARD statement, the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) bill was passed when there was a shortage of doctors. Whereas today, new medical colleges have been opened and MBBS doctors are in surplus.

Furthermore, India has already surpassed the WHO doctor-patient ratio of 1:811 from 1:1000. Recently, a total of 895 MBBS doctors applied for rural bonds, but most could not be accommodated due to a lack of vacancies.

Medical education minister Mushrif said that the government will soon decide on the CCMP curriculum, and further steps will depend on the court’s order. A strike or shutdown could affect the state’s healthcare system and harm patients. The government is committed to keeping medical services running and has asked doctors to support patient care. After consulting legal experts, the government has told the MMC to keep a separate registration book. Since the matter is in court, the next steps will follow the court’s decision.

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MARD: Key discussions and their outcomes

Along with the Maharashtra Medical Council’s (MMC) CCMP’s decision, the issue of stipend continuation beyond 36 months for residents whose exams are delayed was raised. The department officials have expressed support and assured that positive action will be taken soon for the JR-3 residents' stipend continuation.

Adding to this, the tragic case of a Pravara Medical College student's suicide was brought to notice. The principal secretary Dhiraj Kumar will speak with the medical college administration to ensure a fair probe.

“Concerns regarding hostel facilities, academic guidance, and infrastructure across medical colleges were also highlighted and duly noted for further action,” the official MARD statement said.

Along with MARD, several other doctors’ associations were also present, including the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and the Maharashtra Government Medical Officers Association (MAGMO).