Parliament passed Homeopathy Central Council 'Amendment' Bill 2018: Details, Features

Parliament passed Homeopathy Central Council 'Amendment' Bill 2018: Details, Bill Features

The Parliament has passed the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to replace Ordinance promulgated by President in May 2018.

The Bill amends Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 which sets up Central Council of Homoeopathy and regulates homoeopathic education and practice.

Board of Governors: It will consist of up to seven members including persons of eminence in the field of homeopathy education, eminent administrators, appointed by Union Government. The Central Government will select one of these members as Chairperson of Board. With regard to policy decisions, directions of the central government will be final.

Supersession of Central Council: The Bill amends 1973 Act to provide for supersession of Central Council with effect from 18 May 2018. The Council will be reconstituted within 1 year from date of its supersession. In the interim period, the Board of Governors constituted by central government will exercise powers of Central Council.

Permission for existing homeopathy colleges: The Bill states that if any homeopathy medical college has been established or if any established homeopathy medical college has opened new courses or increased its admission capacity before the ordinance was promulgated, then it will have to seek permission from Union Government within 1 year. If homeopathy medical college fails to seek such permission, then medical qualification granted by it to a student will not be recognised under this law.