HRD / Labour / Health

The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State, Ministry of AYUSH on July 23, 2018. It amends the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and replaces the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 that was promulgated on May 18, 2018. The 1973 Act sets up the Central Council of Homoeopathy which regulates homoeopathic education and practice.

Supersession of the Central Council: The Bill amends the 1973 Act to provide for the supersession of the Central Council. The Central Council will be reconstituted within one year from the date of its supersession. In the interim period, the central government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the Central Council.

The Board of Governors will consist of up to seven members including: (i) persons of eminence in the field of homoeopathy education, and (ii) eminent administrators, appointed by the central government. The central government will select one of these members as the Chairperson of the Board. With regard to policy decisions, the directions of the central government will be final.

Permission for existing homoeopathy colleges: The Bill states that: (i) if any person has established a homoeopathy medical college, or (ii) if an established homoeopathy medical college has opened new courses or increased its admission capacity before the passage of the Bill, it will have to seek permission from the central government within one year. If the person or homoeopathy medical college fails to seek such permission, then any medical qualification granted to a student from such medical college will not be recognised under the Act.