Will file writ petition challenging decision to allow homoeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines.
As a sign of outrage against the state’s decision to allow homoeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines, MBBS doctors have decided to challenge the decision in the court of law.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra, will file a writ petition in court challenging the state cabinet’s decision that practitioners of homoeopathy can prescribe allopathic medicines after they complete a year-long course in pharmacology.
On Sunday, IMA held consultations with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), the Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), the Greater Mumbai chapter of the General Practitioners’ Association (GPA) and the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to discuss various aspects of the decision to file the writ petition. Around 70 doctors from across Maharashtra were said to be a part of the meeting.
Four medical organisations have shown their support for the decision of challenging the cabinet order in the court. “The government is attempting to legalise the illegal by making such a decision. Cross practicing is not allowed under the Supreme Court strictures. The government should be working toward curbing such practices instead of legalising them,” said Dr Jayesh Lele, State Secretary, IMA, Maharashtra.
The IMA maintained that letting homoeopaths practice allopathy was not a solution to cover up for the lack of allopathy doctors in certain pockets of the state. “Instead of offering more incentives to make available better facilities in rural areas so more allopathic doctors practice there, the government is taking a short cut with this move. This is a wrong decision. The political decision will be challenged in the court. None of the medical organisations will approve of this move,” said Lele, adding, “The petition will be filed within a week. Our legal team is working on it.”
Close to 55,000 homoeopaths in the state are likely to be benefitted by the move. It was medical education and drug minister Dr Vijaykumar Gavit who pushed forward the proposal on Thursday.
Gavit and other ministers belonging to the NCP cited shortage of MBBS doctors in rural areas to justify the rationale behind allowing homoeopaths to prescribe allopathic medicines in case of emergency.
The decision came despite opposition by a few cabinet ministers, including health minister Suresh Shetty, who said it will set a precedent and prompt practitioners from other streams like veterinary science to make similar demands.
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