Can Homoeopathy Doctors Practice Allopathy in India? NCH Issues Clarification on Cross-Practice

The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) issued a public notice on 14 August 2026, clarifying its position on whether Homoeopathic practitioners can practice other systems of medicine, including allopathy. The notice seeks to bring clarification regarding rules related to cross practice by practitioners of homoeopathy. 

Reason for NCH Clarification  

The NCH considered it necessary to clarify its position regarding the practice of other systems of medicine by Homoeopathic practitioners. The notice was issued "to ensure that Regulation 36(y), including its proviso, is understood and reported in its correct perspective." 

Can Homoeopathy Doctors Prescribe Allopathic Medicine? What the Regulation Says 

The CNH clarification particularly speaks of Regulation 36(y) of the National Commission for Homoeopathy (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics for Practitioners of Homoeopathy) Regulations, 2022. This regulation lists "practices, any other system of medicine other than Homoeopathy" as an act of professional or ethical misconduct. 

In other words, under the base rule, a Homoeopathy doctor practising allopathy or any other system of medicine would ordinarily amount to misconduct. 

The Proviso: The Exception to the Rule 

However, Regulation 36(y) carries a proviso, an exception clause, which the notice highlights specifically. The proviso states: 

"Provided that nothing contained in this clause shall prevent or restrict to practice by medical practitioner of Homoeopathic under the National Health Programme and others programme run by Central or State Government after undergone any training or course recognized or prescribed by the competent authority." 

The NCH notice explains that this proviso specifically allows a Homoeopathic medical practitioner to practice under a National Health Programme, or any other programme run by the Central or State Government, provided the practitioner has undergone training or a course recognized or prescribed by the competent authority. 

So, can a homoeopathy doctor practice allopathy in India? According to the NCH notice, the answer is conditional. It is not a general entitlement, but as a limited exception applicable specifically when the practitioner is working under a Central or State Government-run National Health Programme, and only after completing government-recognized or prescribed training. 

Supporting Provision: BHMS Degree Course Regulations 

The notice also cites Sub-regulation (7) of Regulation 14 of the National Commission for Homoeopathy (Homoeopathy Graduate Degree Course: Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (B.H.M.S.) Regulations, 2022). This provision recognizes the role of Homoeopathic medical graduates in Government health facilities and National Health Programmes. It provides for clinical training in Government hospitals and health institutions, and specifically states that students are to "participate actively in different National Health Programme implemented by the State Government."