New Delhi : HL August 05, 2026
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has strongly opposed the Maharashtra Government’s decision to permit CCMP-qualified BHMS doctors to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), describing the move as legally and professionally unacceptable. In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on August 5, 2026, the IMA urged the state government to immediately withdraw the Government Resolution (GR) and discontinue the CCMP course.
According to the IMA, the CCMP course has not been approved by either the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). The association argued that permitting such registrations would undermine established standards of medical education and create confusion among patients regarding doctors’ qualifications and competencies.
The association further pointed out that the issue is currently under consideration before the Bombay High Court and questioned the government’s decision to proceed with registrations while the matter remains sub judice. It also stated that dual registration in different medical systems has no precedent in India and lacks any standard operating framework.
The IMA also maintained that the circumstances cited when the Maharashtra Medical Council Act was amended in 2014 no longer exist, noting that the state has reportedly ended the compulsory rural bond system for MBBS graduates due to the availability of sufficient qualified doctors. The association expressed concern that equating MBBS graduates with doctors who completed a part-time CCMP course could adversely affect medical education standards.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s judgment in Poonam Verma vs Ashwin Patel (1996), the IMA stated that practitioners registered in one system of medicine cannot legally prescribe or practice another system without recognised qualifications and valid registration in that discipline.
The IMA warned that if the Maharashtra Government does not revoke the decision, it may call for a nationwide strike involving doctors, resident doctors, interns and medical students across the country.
What is the issue?
The CCMP issue in Maharashtra centers on a Maharashtra Government decision to allow BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) doctors who have completed the CCMP course to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). This has triggered strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
What is CCMP?
CCMP stands for Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology. It is a course designed to train BHMS doctors in aspects of modern medicine, particularly pharmacology and the use of certain allopathic medicines.
What did the Maharashtra Government do?
According to the IMA letter, the Maharashtra Government issued a Government Resolution (GR) on 3 August 2026 permitting CCMP-qualified doctors to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council, with registrations beginning on 5 August 2026.
Why is the IMA opposing it?
The IMA has raised several objections:
No approval from national regulators: The CCMP course is not approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).
Dual registration: Allowing a homeopathy practitioner to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council creates dual registration, which the IMA says has no precedent in India.
Public safety concerns: The IMA argues the move could confuse patients about a doctor’s qualifications and scope of practice.
Matter before the High Court: The legality of the amendment is already under challenge before the Bombay High Court, and the IMA says registrations should not proceed until the case is decided.
Impact on MBBS graduates: The association says equating CCMP-qualified doctors with MBBS doctors undermines medical education and the rigorous MBBS training process.
Legal argument: The IMA cites the Supreme Court’s Poonam Verma vs Ashwin Patel (1996) judgment, which held that a practitioner registered in one system of medicine cannot legally practice another system without recognised qualifications and registration.
