NCH warns homoeopathy practitioners against unethical practices

New Delhi (Same Day): The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) has issued a stern warning to registered homoeopathy practitioners across the country against engaging in malpractices and unethical professional conduct, cautioning that violations will invite strict disciplinary and legal action.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Board of Ethics and Regulation for Homoeopathy (BERH), invoking powers under the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act and the Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics Regulations, 2022, said it had taken serious cognisance of repeated instances of gross professional misconduct by both registered and unregistered practitioners.

The Commission noted that practices such as false or exaggerated claims of guaranteed cures, use of unapproved or secret medicines, sale of prohibited drugs, and operation of clinics and diagnostic centres without valid registration posed serious risks to public health and patient safety. Such actions, it said, also brought disrepute to the homoeopathy system and eroded public confidence.

The circular explicitly prohibits misleading advertisements in print, electronic and social media, including claims based on testimonials, emotional patient narratives, before-and-after photographs, and WhatsApp forwards instead of scientific data. Publishing patient case reports with identifiable details without written consent has also been barred.

The Commission further flagged unethical practices such as cross-pathy — the undisclosed prescription of medicines from other systems, including steroids, herbs or biochemic salts — and warned that such conduct obscures the standalone effect of homoeopathic medicines. Practitioners have also been cautioned against claiming specialisation without possessing qualifications recognised by the Commission.

Other prohibited activities include running unapproved certificate, diploma or online courses in homoeopathy, issuing experience certificates to unqualified persons, misrepresenting clinics as research institutes, and falsely claiming affiliation or recognition from the NCH, government bodies or foreign organisations.

The circular also restricts diagnosis and treatment through social media and digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube unless conducted strictly in accordance with prescribed telemedicine norms. Generalised or disease-specific treatment advice through posts, reels, comments or live sessions has been disallowed.

All registered practitioners have been directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed code of ethics, defined scope of practice and guidelines issued by competent authorities from time to time. Any violation, the Commission warned, could lead to suspension or cancellation of registration, imposition of penalties, and legal action under relevant laws.

“Ignorance of rules or claims of customary practice shall not be accepted as a defence under any circumstances,” the circular stated.

State homoeopathy councils, educational institutions, hospitals and colleges have been instructed to ensure wide circulation and prominent display of the directive. Non-compliance by supervisory authorities, the Commission added, would also invite action.

The circular, digitally signed by Dr. Harcharan Jeet Kaur, President, Board of Ethics and Regulation for Homoeopathy, comes into force with immediate effect and will remain valid until further orders.