Is the Government Encouraging ‘Crosspathy’?

Source: This post on Crosspathy Controversy in India has been created based on article “Is the Government Encouraging ‘Crosspathy’?”  published in The Hindu on 23^rd January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: The article examines the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration’s (FDA) recent directive permitting homeopathic practitioners with a certificate in modern pharmacology to prescribe allopathic medicines. It discusses the challenges to this directive, particularly from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which argues that it contradicts a Bombay High Court stay order and the Supreme Court’s stance on ‘crosspathy.’ What directive has the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration issued?

What is the background of this issue?

1. In 2017, the Maharashtra Medical Education and Drug Department permitted homeopathic practitioners holding the Licentiate of the Court of Examiners of Homeopathy (1951-1982) to practise modern medicine.
2. This notification was challenged in the Bombay High Court by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), leading to a stay on the directive.

 Why is the directive being opposed?

1. The IMA argues that:
   1. Even the central regulatory body for homeopathy does not allow its practitioners to prescribe allopathic medicines.
   2. The Supreme Court has banned ‘crosspathy,’ categorizing it as medical negligence.
   3. The FDA lacks the authority to issue such a directive, especially since the court’s stay remains in effect.
2. The IMA fears risks to patients’ safety if homeopathic practitioners are allowed to prescribe allopathic medicines without proper qualifications.

What has the Supreme Court ruled on crosspathy?

1. In the 1996 Poonam Verma vs. Ashwin Patel case, the Supreme Court held a homeopath liable for negligence after prescribing allopathic medicine, leading to a patient’s death.
2. The judiciary views cross-system practice as medical negligence unless explicitly authorized by state governments.

Why is the Central government promoting AYUSH medicine?

1. India faces a significant shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas.
2. AYUSH practitioners are being integrated to fill healthcare gaps and improve accessibility in underserved regions.
3. As of June 2022:
   1. 13,08,009 allopathic doctors are registered in India.
   2. 65 lakh AYUSH doctors are available.
4. The Health Dynamics of India 2022-23 report highlights an 80% shortage of specialist doctors in rural community health centres.

What are experts saying about integrating alternative medicine practitioners?

1. Public health experts emphasize the importance of structured integration of mid-level providers.
2. Allowing unregulated cross-system practice may lead to chaos in the healthcare system.
3. While promoting AYUSH practitioners is seen as a solution to doctor shortages, their roles need clear regulations to maintain healthcare standards.