Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice, founded by German physician Dr Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. It is a gentle and effective method that strengthens the body’s own immune system to fight infection.
Homeopathy has emerged as the second largest medical alternative after modern medicine. Despite several hurdles, homeopathy has firmly engraved its roots across the globe and currently accepted over 80 countries. It is legally recognised as an individual system of medicine in 42 countries and recognized as an alternative medicine in 28 countries.
Homeopathy medical system is involved in the treatment of patients with the high dilutions of the homeopathic medicines mainly in the form of liquid and tablets which is made from natural sources such as plants, animals and minerals. It is totally different from the allopathy system and strongly believes in the natural healing process of the body. The Homeopathy medicines work in such a way that they activate the body’s natural system of healing, as per them the healing happens from within (internally) and not externally.
Courses
BHMS, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery: It is an undergraduate academic degree comprising theoretical and practical knowledge of the homeopathic medication system. The duration of the course is 5.5 years which includes 4.5 years of study followed by 1 year of internship
The course curriculum covers topics such as Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, among others. The course includes a compendium of pre-clinical and clinical subjects.
MD Homeopathy is a postgraduate Homoeopathy course with a duration of three years.This course has different specializations such as Materia Medica, Practice of Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Repertory, etc
M.D. Homoeopathy Specializations
- M. D. (Hom.) in Materia Medical
- M. D. (Hom.) in Organon of Medicine & Homoeopathic Philosophy
- M. D. (Hom.) in Repertory
- M. D. (Hom.) in Practice of Medicine
- M. D. (Hom.) in Homoeopathic pharmacy
- M. D. (Hom.) in Paediatrics
Required Skills
The skills and aptitudes required for a Homoeopathy career include the following:
- Ability to prioritise work and manage workload under pressure
- Aptitude to think logically
- Building and developing excellent relationships with patients
- Caring approach to other people’s feelings
- Good mental ability
- Interest in promoting natural health and being proficient in homeopathic remedies.
- Keen interest in serving mankind
- Strong verbal and listening skills
- The ability to work with multidisciplinary healthcare team
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are required to fulfill the below-mentioned minimum eligibility criteria to get admission into this course:
- 10+2 or any equivalent degree from a recognized university.
- An aggregate score of 50% at 10+2 level.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as the compulsory subjects.
- Minimum age limit is 17 years
Entrance Examination
A list of entrance exams conducted for admission to BHMS & PG courses are mentioned below.
AIAPGET: All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test
AP EAMCET: Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, Medical Common Entrance Test.
KEAM: Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance Exam
NEET: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), is an entrance examination in India for students who wish to study undergraduate medical courses.
PU CET: Punjab University Common Entrance Test
TS EAMCET: Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test.
An all India common merit list as well as state-wise merit list of the eligible candidates shall be prepared on the basis of the marks obtained in the National Eligibility Entrance Test and candidates are selected based on marks obtained in the respective entrance exam which is followed by a round of group discussion and personal interview. Those candidates who successfully clear the entrance test can appear for the further counseling rounds.
The designated authority for counseling for all admissions to undergraduate course in all Homoeopathy educational Institutions in the States and Union Territories including Institutions established by the States Government University, Deemed University, Trust, Society, Minority Institutions, Corporation or Company shall be the respective States or Union Territory in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations of the concerned States or Union Territory Government, as the case may be.
Counseling process: Candidates intending to take admission must participate in the counseling process conducted by the AYUSH Admission Central Counseling Committee (AACCC), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
MD Homeopathy: All India AYUSH PG Entrance Test (AIAPGET) conducted by All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Nation Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India (AYUSH Admission Central Counselling Committee)
Job Profiles
The job profiles after completing the BHMS programme are as follows.
- Homeopathic Consultant
- Homeopathic Doctor
- Homeopathic Pharmacist
- Insurance Officer
- Marketing Specialist
- Private practice
- Public health specialist
- Research/ Scientist
- Teacher/Lecture
Top Recruiters
Homeopathists can work in both Government as well as private sectors. They can enter a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers in areas like Hospital, Pharmacy, Marketing, Teaching, Research etc. Also can work as a private practitioner. Followings are some of the firms where jobs for homeopathy experts are available:
- Charitable Institutions/NGOs/Healthcare Community
- Clinics/Nursing Homes/Hospitals
- Consultancies
- Dispensaries
- Homeopathic Medicine Stores/Pharmacies
- Life Science and Pharmaceutical Industries
- Medical Colleges
- Research Institutes/Training Institutes
Institutions
Before joining , please ensure that the course in the given institution is approved by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
Questions & Answers
Q) Is Homeopathy slow acting and cannot be used in acute cases of diarrhea, fever, cough?
A) Homeopathy is fast acting in acute cases and can be effectively used in treating infections, fever, cold etc. Unfortunately, people tend to go to a homeopath only when the acute problem becomes chronic. Naturally, these cases take longer to treat. Also, most people take recourse in homeopathy in cases of arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions etc., which take a longer time to treat with any other medicine.
Q) Are all the Homeopathic medicines only sugar pills which have no medicinal value?
A) The white sugar pills, as such do not have any medicinal value. But these act as vehicles or carriers for the medicines, which are alcohol based. Otherwise the medicine can be taken directly or dissolved in water. Homeopathic medicines have been scientifically studied the world over and found to be effective in a wide range of diseases.
Q) Can a BHMS doctor prescribe allopathy medicine?
A) If a BHMS doctor wishes to practice allopathy, he/ she needs to study Pharmacy. Homeopathy doctors can pursue MD in Pharmacology after completing BHMS.