Maharashtra FDA Directive:
- Allows homeopathic practitioners with a modern pharmacology certificate to prescribe allopathic medicines.
- Controversial as it challenges a Bombay High Court stay from 2017 on a similar matter raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)
Legal Background on Crosspathy:
- Supreme Court Stance: Opposes crosspathy, deeming it medical negligence (e.g., Poonam Verma case, 1996).
- Judicial Precedents: Cross-system practice is generally disallowed unless explicitly permitted under state orders.
Government’s Rationale:
- Doctor Shortage: India has over 13 lakh allopathic doctors but faces significant gaps in rural areas and specialized fields.
- Integrative Medicine Push: AYUSH practitioners are seen as a resource to bridge healthcare access gaps.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Patient Safety: IMA argues untrained practitioners risk patient well-being.
- Policy Ambiguity: FDA’s directive conflicts with court orders, highlighting regulatory gaps.
- Infrastructure Issues: Shortages in rural healthcare and lack of clear guidelines for AYUSH integration exacerbate challenges.
Strategic Approach:
- Role of AYUSH: Should focus on complementary healthcare roles, not replacing modern medicine.
- Regulation Need: Proper oversight is crucial to prevent risks and ensure integrative medicine functions effectively.
