Maharashtra Doctors Strike Over BHMS Prescription Rights Begins Across State

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has begun an indefinite statewide strike from midnight on August 5, 2026, according to a CNBC TV18 report. The protest is directed against a notification issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) on June 30, 2026.

The notification permits BHMS doctors who complete a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to prescribe modern medicines and obtain MMC registration. Several medical organisations have extended support to the agitation, resulting in disruptions to selected hospital services across Maharashtra.

Why Are Maharashtra Doctors Opposing the BHMS CCMP Policy?

The core issue relates to the MMC's decision to allow BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) doctors with CCMP certification to prescribe allopathic medicines. Resident doctors argue that practitioners trained in one medical system should not be allowed to practise another without undergoing full medical education in that field.

According to the protesting doctors, such a move could affect professional standards in medical education. They have also raised concerns that the policy may weaken the country's existing medical regulatory framework.

Maharashtra Medical Council Notification and Doctor Concerns

The June 30, 2026, notification has triggered a wider debate within the healthcare community. Resident doctors maintain that the registration process for BHMS practitioners under the new provision should not continue while the matter remains under judicial consideration.

They have demanded immediate suspension of the BHMS-CCMP registration process until the court delivers its final verdict. Protesting doctors believe implementing the policy before the legal process concludes could create uncertainty within the healthcare system.

Medical Associations Supporting the Maharashtra Strike

The agitation has received support from multiple medical organisations across the state. These include the Indian Medical Association (IMA), BMC MARD, Maharashtra State Resident Doctors Association, Association of State Medical Interns, Maharashtra Association of Gazetted Medical Officers' Group-A, and the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers Association.

The IMA stated that more than 2 lakh allopathic doctors have joined the statewide protest. Resident doctors gathered at Mumbai's KEM, Sion, Nair and JJ hospitals, along with government medical colleges across Maharashtra, to formally begin the agitation.

Maharashtra Hospital Services Affected by the MARD Strike

MARD has stated that emergency and casualty services will continue during the initial 24 hours of the strike to minimise risks to patients. However, several healthcare services have been suspended.

These include Outpatient Department (OPD) services, routine hospital duties, elective surgeries, elective procedures and academic activities. The organisation has warned that if no satisfactory resolution is reached, all services, including emergency and casualty care, may be suspended from August 6, 2026, subject to further directions from the Central MARD.

Read More: Maharashtra Government Mandates Registration for Ola, Uber, Rapido by September 1, 2026.

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Conclusion

The Maharashtra doctors' strike has emerged as a major issue within the state's healthcare sector due to concerns over cross-system medical practice. Resident doctors and supporting medical bodies contend that the MMC notification raises questions about training standards and regulatory oversight.

The protest has already affected non-emergency healthcare services while emergency care remains operational during the initial phase. With the matter also pending before the courts, the demand for suspension of the BHMS-CCMP registration process remains a central point of the ongoing agitation.

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