Maharashtra Directs MMC to Halt Modern Medicine Registration for BHMS Doctors
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to halt the registration of Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) doctors who have completed the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) for the limited practice of modern medicine. The decision comes amid opposing demonstrations by medical associations, with AYUSH doctors staging protests at Azad Maidan and marching towards Mantralaya.
In a communication dated August 18, the Medical Education and Drugs Department stated that issuing registration certificates would be appropriate only after the prevailing situation settles, official procedures are finalised, and the High Court delivers its final decision on the matter. The directive effectively freezes CCMP registrations pending the court's ruling and a final policy decision by the state.
The government's directive follows sustained opposition from resident doctors and medical bodies, including Central MARD and the Indian Medical Association (IMA). These bodies have raised serious concerns over medical education standards, professional boundaries, and patient safety.
Central MARD president Dr Atharva Shinde said the agitation by modern medicine practitioners was aimed at protecting medical education quality, patient safety, and professional standards. He added that the organisation will continue to monitor the issue until the judicial process concludes and the government reaches a final decision.
However, the decision sparked immediate backlash from AYUSH practitioners. A large number of AYUSH doctors gathered at Azad Maidan on Tuesday and marched towards Mantralaya to demand the immediate registration of eligible BHMS-CCMP doctors with the MMC.
The Integrated Doctors Association (N) alleged that the MMC opened the registration process but closed it abruptly after registering only one eligible candidate. Protesters demanded that registration be resumed for all eligible doctors and sought a formal inquiry into the functioning of the MMC.
Reacting to the developments, Dr Bahubali Shah, Administrator of the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy, said he had not received any official communication regarding the halt. He added that even if the latest letter is considered alongside the circular issued on August 3, 2026, the registration process cannot be stopped.
