NCH Urges Responsible Reporting On Homoeopathy, Practitioners

The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) has issued an advisory urging media organisations, healthcare institutions, professional bodies and social media users to ensure factual accuracy while making public statements about Homoeopathy and registered homoeopathic practitioners.

The advisory, released through a circular on Wednesday, follows concerns over what the Commission described as defamatory and unsubstantiated remarks about Homoeopathy being circulated across print, electronic, digital and social media platforms.

NCH Chairperson Dr Tarkeshwar Jain said the Commission has taken serious cognisance of such instances and emphasised the need for responsible communication and evidence-based discussions concerning the medical system.

Dr Jain highlighted that the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020, recognises Homoeopathy as a legal system of medicine. He also noted that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, regulates homoeopathic medicines, while the Commission prescribes a structured academic framework for education in the discipline.

According to the NCH, institutions admit students to undergraduate and postgraduate Homoeopathy programmes through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

The Commission stated that registered homoeopathic practitioners complete prescribed education and training and practise in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory provisions.

The advisory further stressed that authorities should address complaints or allegations against individual practitioners through established statutory, regulatory, disciplinary or judicial mechanisms rather than making broad generalisations about the profession.

Reiterating its commitment to maintaining standards of education, professional conduct and ethical practice, the NCH said it remains focused on safeguarding the dignity and lawful standing of registered practitioners.

Dr Jain added that the Commission may pursue appropriate action, including legal recourse where necessary, against deliberate attempts to spread baseless, misleading or defamatory information about Homoeopathy and its practitioners.

The NCH issued the advisory as part of its mandate to regulate and uphold standards in the field.