Lack of state support for homeopathy, say experts

As a practising system of medicine,homeopathy does not get its due in Maharashtra because of lack of state support, say those in the field. In a seminar organised at Dhondumama Sathe Homeopathic Medical College in the city on Sunday, experts from the Central Council of Homeopathy, a statutory body under the Union ministry of health and family welfare, said that although there are more than 47,000 practising homeopaths in the state, their presence in government-run hospitals is not even one per cent. At a time when most government-run primary health centres and sub-centres are performing below par due to a lack of skilled medical professionals, the services of these doctors are not being put to use due to lack of political will, they say. April 10 is celebrated as World Homeopathy Day in memory of Dr C F Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, who was born on this day in 1755. "This is happening despite the fact that a bachelor's degree in homeopathy (BHMS) is equivalent to an MBBS degree," said Lalit Verma, secretary of the Central Council of Homeopathy. "In states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there are state-run homeopathy clinics, dispensaries and hospitals and these form an important part of the public health system. In Maharashtra, however, despite there being a large number of homeopathy colleges, there is just one government-run homeopathy hospital," he said. M P Arya, former secretary of the council agrees. "Currently there are 46 medical colleges in Maharashtra imparting education in homeopathy. And, every year, 2,300 homeopaths graduate from these colleges. However, since there is no patronage from the state government, these doctors, who have undergone almost similar training and education as in MBBS degree, are not absorbed in government services. Hence, they are left with no option but to open a private practice. Most of them eventually leave homeopathy and take up allopathy instead." Arvind Kothe, chairman of the committee on excellence in education, Central Council of Homeopathy, said, "Homeopathy, which has existed for years and has wide acceptance and application throughout India, needs to be rejuvenated and integrated within the existing health care delivery of the state. For that, homeopathic dispensaries should be set up in each taluka so that the rural masses have access to homeopathy medicine. Besides, initiatives should be taken to spread awareness about alternative medicines in rural areas." "Homeopathy has proven to be successful in treating various serious diseases," said Manisha Solanki, principal, Dhondumama Sathe Homeopathic Medical College. "Even some side effects from allopathic medicines have been treated with homeopathy medicines. Public acceptance for homeopathy has grown considerably in the last few years especially in urban centres." 
Source:TNN