Over 40,000 AYUSH doctors protest in Chinchpokli over registration demands
More than 40,000 AYUSH practitioners across Maharashtra launched a statewide protest on Monday, July 6, with hundreds gathering outside the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) office in Chinchpokli, Mumbai, to demand registration, recruitment, and professional recognition. The demonstration, held despite heavy rain and strong winds, resulted in a written assurance from the MMC to address key registration demands within one month.
The protest drew participation from BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, and CCMP-qualified doctors. The demonstration was organized under the banner of the Integrated Doctors Association (National) and the Homeopathy Action Committee.
Following the demonstration in Chinchpokli, representatives of the associations held two rounds of discussions with MMC officials. Dr. Amol Thakkar, National President of the Integrated Doctors Association, stated that the Council gave a written assurance to initiate the registration process for eligible CCMP-qualified homeopathic doctors to practice allopathy under specified conditions. The MMC promised to examine this specific demand within one month.
While the associations agreed to give the MMC one month to examine the registration issue, Dr. Thakkar clarified that the assurance is limited to that single demand. Several other long-pending issues remain unresolved.
The protesters are seeking regular recruitment of AYUSH doctors in government institutions, the implementation of recommendations from the Homeopathic Doctors' Task Force, and the recognition of medical fitness certificates issued by AYUSH practitioners across government departments. They are also demanding the establishment of a separate AYUSH Ministry in Maharashtra and the creation of an independent statutory body to protect their professional interests.
Because these broader demands remain unaddressed, the associations announced plans to escalate their protest. Dr. Thakkar stated that an indefinite hunger strike would begin at Azad Maidan in Mumbai at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7. The hunger strike will continue until the Maharashtra government takes concrete steps to address all pending demands, including the immediate commencement of CCMP registration.
