Doctors in Maharashtra to Hold Day-Long Strike Over Homeopaths’ Inclusion in Medical Council
In a move that could impact the healthcare sector in Maharashtra, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a day-long strike on September 18, 2025. The reason behind this strike is the ongoing debate about the inclusion of homeopaths in the Medical Council of India (MCI).
The IMA, which represents over 2.5 lakh doctors across the country, has expressed its opposition to the proposal, arguing that it could dilute the standards of allopathic medical education and practice. The Maharashtra chapter of the IMA has urged the state government to reconsider the decision, stating that homeopathy is not based on scientific evidence and should not be equated with mainstream medicine.
The issue has been a contentious one, with homeopaths arguing for their inclusion in the MCI, citing their significant role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. However, the IMA maintains that homeopathy is not a recognized form of modern medicine and should not be treated at par with allopathic medicine.
The strike could potentially disrupt healthcare services in Maharashtra, especially in government hospitals where many doctors are members of the IMA. Private hospitals may also be affected as many IMA members work there.
This is not the first time that the issue of homeopaths’ inclusion in the MCI has caused a stir. In 2018, a similar strike was held, which led to a temporary halt in healthcare services in several parts of Maharashtra.
The current context comes as the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making the timing of this strike particularly significant. It remains to be seen how the state government will respond to this situation and whether it will lead to a resolution or further escalation of the issue.
