Homeopathy has been around for centuries as an alternate system of medicine, with more than 200 million people worldwide opting for it regularly for their healthcare needs. A World Health Organisation report states that this complementary medical system is the second largest globally and is legally practiced in over 84 countries, such as India, the UK, the US, France, Germany, and China. Among these nations, India leads in the number of people, with 100 million people relying on Homeopathy for treatment, as per a Homeopathy Research Institute report. This complementary medical system is becoming increasingly popular in India, and the Homeopathic market in the country is poised to grow 20-25% annually.
There are over 200,000 registered Homeopathic doctors in India, with approximately 12,000 more added annually. These figures highlight the enormous scope of Homeopathy as a career option. Therefore, aspirants willing to study medicine can undoubtedly choose this alternative medical system and build a successful career similar to the conventional system of medicine like Allopathy and Ayurveda.
With the high public acceptance of Homeopathy, this holistic system has emerged as one of the top choices for medical students. To become a Homeopath, one needs to have specific qualifications and skills. The eligibility is a pass in 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as primary subjects. Reserved category students must score at least 40% in Class 12 with these main subjects.
After 12th grade, aspirants can appear for entry-level clearance examinations, like The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Applicants must secure the minimum qualifying percentile of NEET UG for admission to undergraduate degrees like the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS) course.
Apart from the traditional qualifications required to become a Homeopath, there are now courses related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) being offered to medical students. These courses provide an in-depth understanding of AI and its application in this complementary medical system and cover topics like using AI to develop personalized treatments, detect symptoms, and improve the accuracy of diagnoses. It can be an excellent way for medical students to gain an edge in the field and equip themselves with the latest tools and technologies.
Homeopathy is an excellent option for medical students looking to enter the field of holistic medicine. It is a 100% natural and safe healing system with no side effects, making it attractive for those looking for a gentle and practical approach to treating diseases. By focusing on treating the person as a whole rather than simply treating their symptoms, Homeopathy is a unique and effective way of treating ailments. It is also known for its ability to treat chronic and complex health conditions – such as skin allergies, lichen planus, anxiety & depression, respiratory problems, eye disorders, hair loss ailments, and many more.
Furthermore, this complementary medicine has become increasingly popular in India due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. It is a good option for those living in rural and semi-urban areas where access to other forms of treatment is limited. It also encourages the patient to take an active role in their healing process, which is a great way to foster patient engagement and build trust between patients and healthcare professionals.
Currently, approximately 350 government and 1,200 private medical institutions offer Homeopathy courses. Every year, international students from countries like Japan, Russia, Ghana, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh come to India to pursue this course. Hence, by learning this medicine, students can gain a valuable skillset that can help them provide better and more comprehensive care for their patients.
Upon pursuing the requisite degree, numerous job opportunities are available for Homeopaths. They can either work as general practitioners in their clinics or become medical officers in government and private Homeopathic hospitals. Additionally, Homeopaths can serve as consultants or advisors, teaching and training other medical professionals on using Homeopathy.
The Indian Government has taken various initiatives to promote the practice of this holistic medical system. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) has taken steps to modernize this medical practice and make it more accessible. The measures include forming new Homeopathic colleges, introducing new courses, and establishing the National Institute of Homeopathy (NIH) and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) to facilitate research, education, and training.
The Government invests in infrastructure and provides financial assistance to Homeopaths to establish their clinics. In addition, various scholarship and loan schemes facilitate monetary aid to students pursuing Homeopathic education. Practitioners can also provide healthcare services to rural and remote areas of the country through the Government’s National Rural Health Mission. All these initiatives have helped increase awareness about Homeopathy in India.
