Mumbai Meeting Fails to Resolve BHMS-CCMP Registration Dispute

A high-level meeting chaired by Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif at Mantralaya on Tuesday failed to resolve the long-pending issue of registering BHMS doctors holding the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).

The meeting was convened after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) warned of a statewide shutdown of medical services if the registration process was initiated before the ongoing legal dispute is decided.

The Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy and the Integrated Doctors Association (N) claimed the meeting yielded a positive outcome and that the registration process is likely to begin from July 29.

However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) maintained that no final decision has been taken. Dr Bahubali Shah, Administrator of the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy, said all stakeholders presented their views before the minister and were assured that the registration process will begin from July 29.

Dr Amol Gitte, IMA Maharashtra Treasurer, said the minister has sought another day to take a final decision. The matter is listed for hearing in the Bombay High Court on August 13 and 14. If the High Court permits the registration process, the IMA will accept the decision.

Dr Shah said the homeopathy doctors would abide by the court's verdict. If the High Court rules against them, they will surrender their registrations. Dr Amol Ambekar, Secretary of the Integrated Doctors Association (N), said the state administration is in favour of granting registration and expressed hope that the process would commence on Guru Purnima, July 29.

Dr Vinky Rughvani, Administrator of the Maharashtra Medical Council, said a final decision is expected within a day or two. The MMC will implement whatever decision is taken by the government. The IMA has consistently opposed granting MMC registration to BHMS-CCMP doctors.

Dr Gitte reiterated that if registrations are issued before the High Court delivers its verdict, the association will suspend medical services across the state in protest. The dispute over BHMS-CCMP registration has been ongoing for some time, with the IMA and the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy holding different views on the matter.

The Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy has been pushing for the registration of BHMS-CCMP doctors, while the IMA has opposed it, citing concerns over the qualifications and training of these doctors. The Bombay High Court is expected to hear the matter on August 13 and 14, and its decision will be crucial in resolving the dispute.

The outcome of the meeting and the subsequent court hearing will have significant implications for the medical profession in Maharashtra, particularly for BHMS-CCMP doctors who are awaiting registration. The state government and the MMC will need to carefully consider the views of all stakeholders and the court's decision before taking a final call on the registration process.

The registration dispute has sparked a heated debate within the medical community, with some arguing that BHMS-CCMP doctors are qualified to practice and others claiming that they lack the necessary training and expertise. The court's decision will help to clarify the issue and provide a way forward for the registration process.

In the meantime, the IMA has warned of a statewide shutdown of medical services if the registration process is initiated before the court's verdict. This has raised concerns among patients and the general public, who may be affected by the disruption in medical services. The state government and the MMC will need to work together to find a solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders and ensures that medical services are not disrupted.