Homeopathy in India

Homoeopathy was introduced to India around 1810 by European physicians and missionaries and found strong acceptance among both in the general public and in the medical community due to its holistic approach, cost-effectiveness and gentle therapeutic action.

It gained formal status under the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, which regulated education and practice through the Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH). Subsequently, the establishment of the Ministry of Ayush in 2014 gave homoeopathy an elevated administrative and policy platform. Presently, India is regarded as the global leader in homoeopathy, both in terms of the number of practitioners and institutional and regulatory frameworks. 

The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020 replaced the CCH to further modernize and standardize education, and professional ethics. The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) provides the regulatory framework and develops and implements regulations for homoeopathic education viz. Recognition of Qualification, National Examinations, Minimum Essential Standards for Homoeopathic Colleges and Attached Hospitals, etc., Assessment and Rating of Medical Institutions, Manner of Preparation and Maintenance of National Register for Practitioner of Homoeopathy and Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics for Practitioners of Homoeopathy. 

There are over 3.45 lakh institutionally qualified registered practitioners in the country and 291 colleges (203 only undergraduate colleges, 84 imparting both under-graduation and post-graduation and 04 stand-alone postgraduation 04 institutes). Homoeopathic education is offered through structured degree programs covering pre-clinical subjects (such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.), clinical subjects (Practice of Medicine, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive & Social medicine, etc.) and homoeopathy specific subjects (Materia medica, organon of medicine, pharmacy, repertorization, etc.) and clinical training, ensuring practitioners possess comprehensive biomedical and therapeutic competence. Post graduation in homoeopathy is offered in nine specialities – Materia Medica, Organon of Medicine, Repertory, Practice of Medicine, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Dermatology and Preventive & Social Medicine. 

The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) is a subordinate office under Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. It is the nodal agency in establishing quality standards for drugs of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy with development of the Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia of India and acting as Central Drug Testing cum Appellate Laboratory for Homoeopathic drugs being its key activities. The pharmacopeial and drug regulatory mechanism for homoeopathy is well-established, with standardized manufacturing, quality control guidelines.

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), under the Ministry of Ayush plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research in Homoeopathy. With its headquarters in Delhi, a network of 33 research and treatment centres and, multiple collaborations with scientific organizations, CCRH undertakes research in multiple domains – survey collection and cultivation of medicinal plants, drug standardization, drug proving, clinical verification, clinical research, public health, epidemic control and management, basic research, and literary research. Research documentation, dissemination and development of models, standards and guidelines for research and practice are other major areas of activity of CCRH. 

Homoeopathy is included in the National Ayush Mission, which supports infrastructural development, human resource training, and service delivery integration at primary, secondary and tertiary care levels. Public trust in homoeopathy is bolstered by its accessibility, affordability, minimal adverse effects and its perceived efficacy in chronic, lifestyle and psychosomatic disorders.

Homoeopathy in India today is part of an integrated healthcare model, complementing conventional medicine through multidisciplinary collaborations, national health programs and health care initiatives. Supported by robust education, research, regulation and public utilization, its continued progress is guided by policy support, institutional expansion and scientific engagement, ensuring that it remains a vital part of India’s pluralistic and integrative medical framework.