Maharashtra FDA’s New Directive
Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has allowed homeopathic practitioners, with a certificate in modern pharmacology, to prescribe allopathic medications.
Legal Challenges
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) challenged a similar notification in 2017, resulting in a Bombay High Court stay.
The IMA argues that even the central homeopathic body does not permit such practices, and "crosspathy" is banned by the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s View on ‘Crosspathy’
In a 1996 case, the Supreme Court held homeopaths liable for negligence when prescribing allopathic medicine.
The court has ruled that practicing medicine outside one’s qualification, known as "crosspathy," is medical negligence, unless authorized by the government.
Doctor Shortage and AYUSH Push
India faces a severe shortage of specialists, especially in rural areas (80% shortage in community health centres).
The government has promoted AYUSH practitioners to help address this gap, but concerns arise over allowing them to perform tasks meant for allopathic doctors.
Potential Risks
Experts warn that allowing non-allopathic practitioners to prescribe modern medicine could compromise patient safety and lead to chaos in the healthcare system.
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