Sub : Considering the MD (Hom) in academic field for the cancellation of proposed external MD course in Homoeopathy.   

We would like to bring to your kind notice that in the past years, Post- Graduates in Homoeopathy were quite few in number, as there were only few Colleges, which handled such courses. Due to the unavailability of sufficient M.D. hands in Homoeopathy, the Diploma holders who had an experience of twenty years, which included ten years of teaching in the particular Departments (Materia Medica, Organon & Homoeopathic Philoisophy and Repertory) were appointed as guide, examiners and teachers to the Post-Graduate students. 

By introducing the regular Post-Graduate studies in Homoeopathy, our system took a giant leap towards improving the standard and the quality in par with other prevalent systems of medical practice. But- by trying to propagate and introduce the External M.D. programme,our Council has degraded the sole purpose of the Post-Graduate studies. It is very unfortunate to mention that the regular M.D.holders were not all considered as teachers, examiners and guide for the present regular Post-Graduate students; but the Diploma holders were encouraged and considered for the same. This fact may be strange, but it is sadly true.Active movements are taking place in Kerala to start External MD.  

Before, any M.D. regular courses were started; in all systems; there was a period when the external M.D. courses were propagated to improve the standard and quality of the system. But as soon as a proper curriculum was formulated this was immediately stopped and the regular M.D. programmes took over to take the system to its next higher level of existence. Various additions to the syllabus, more intense clinical and bed-side training, helped in improving the quality and standard of M.D. programme; which totally lacked in the  external M.D.programmes. 

It is nothing less than a crime if we, in this era of advancement of science and medicine, start to use those outdated and substandard tools such as external M.D; ignoring and disregarding the more efficient regular M.D. course to propagate our great system - Homoeopathy. It becomes a mockery, not just to anybody who believes in the advancement and progress, but to the very system of Homoeopathy. 

We appreciate the suggestions made by Central Council of Homoeopathy that all in the teaching faculty should be a M.D. But the true value of the M.D. should not be degraded by conducting such courses as External M.D. programme, which is equivalent to any correspondence course. Homoeopathy being a system of medicine/treatment, hope such courses are not encouraged to maintain the dignity of Homoeopathy. As medicine is directly related to the public health, a mere correspondence course (external M.D.), whose eligibility is his/her experience in the field; will question the very basic concept of 'Law", that it should be of 'equity and good conscious'. If we look into this very conflict of external M.D., it is crystal clear that it is just an outcome of the insecurity feeling of various individuals who want. to gain the benefits and privileges of the prestigious designation M.D. through much easier and stress free process. 
Earlier when we had approached the concerned Universities regarding the same, we had received more than a positive response and they welcomed such innovative and spirited ideology and communicated to the Central Council of Homoeopathy regarding the same. But the C.C.H. on other hand out rightly ignored this plea by not responding. 

This particular stand of C.C.H. shows that they are retarding the growth of this true system of medicine. By doing so, the sitting councilors deliberately misuse the power of an association conferred to them. 
Currently we have got sufficient M.D. Graduates, who are ready and willing to impart their valuable services to the new generations of M.D. Homoeopathy, but it is very disappointing to notes that our Council, Universities and Government have ignored this potential. The various training programs for the Post-Graduates are still handled by Diploma holders and not a single M.D. (Regular) holder have been given the opportunity to become guide, teachers and examiners. 
   The transitory provision for enabling the Diploma holders to take-up M.D. course for a period of 8 years from 1989, has no justification to be continued as a regular feature for another 8 years when hundreds of P.G. Degree holders all over the country have been produced by various P.G. centers of studies in Homoeopathy." The continuation of the external Degree is only for the purpose of sub- serving the vested interest of a group of teachers with Diploma / Degree.  
The above 8 years' period came to an end around 1997. In between, in the State of Karnataka alone more than 100 posts of Post- Graduate in Homoeopathy have come out successfully. There were 5 batches from Belgaum. one batch from Gulbarga and 2 batch from Mangalore. From the   State of Kerala also about more than 120 Post-Graduates ( 6 batches ) have come out. At present in Karnataka there are about 4 Colleges imparting Post-Graduate course in M:,D. Homoeopathy. Thus there is no dearth of Post-Graduate candidates. There are all over Karnataka 13 Colleges imparting under graduation in Homoeopathy to around 750 students, out of which at least 500 students will be qualifying every year. In Kerala 250 Graduates are passing out every year. Therefore, there is no dearth of graduate hands for taking-up Post-Graduate studies in Homoeopathy,also there is enough feeding for Post-Graduate Colleges in Kerala, which have an intake of 24 students a year in all. Same is the situation on all India front also. Maharashtra State alone accounts for more than 40 Colleges with an intake of 40 students per year. 

Therefore, the need, if any, for allowing Diploma holders to take-up Masters' Degree in Homoeopathy in the course of 8 years has been completely fulfilled. Therefore, the legislature has rightly put an end to the system of permitting external candidates to take-up the Post- Graduate Degree course. In between Graduate / Diploma holders engaged in teaching job are also permitted to take-up regular course of two years' Post-Graduation Degree as a special case. .Thus the amendment made in 2001 rightly deleted the Diploma holders from the eligibility Clause for regular M.D. course. Only Degree holders were allowed to stake their claim to P.G. course under Regulation 4. 

  That the distinction between the P.G. course offered to external candidates and to the regular candidates is very fundamental. 
  The regular candidates have to study for 3 years whereas the external candidates study the P.G. course only for 2 years. The external candidates register their names and carry on their studies through correspondence only whereas the regular students attend the classes every day. They will have out-patients and in-patients to attend to and teaching to under-Graduates is also compulsory curriculum. Besides, there would be regular seminars, presentation of papers and clinical discussion etc. for regular candidates. There is a Journal club for the regular candidates. 

 In addition, the regular candidates have regular marks in each paper for practical as well as viva and case presentation whereas this is conspicuously absent from the examination of the external candidates. In all, the external candidates have to offer only two special subjects, one medicine and one subsidiary, in all 4 papers of 100 marks each at the end of the second year. They would not get any clinical training, teaching training during the period of study whereas the regular candidates will have to offer at the end of the second year they have to appear papers carrying 800 marks including vivas and practicals and at the end of 3rd year they have to offer 750 marks with 'paper in addition to thesis presentation.

Thus the gap between regular candidates and the external candidates is very wide. The continuation of the external P.G. course would defeat the concept of educational standards and excellence. As a result, the patients would be precariously exposed to danger at the hands of Post- Graduate Homoeopathic Doctors having received the training as external candidates. Surprisingly the amendment to the regulation in 2001 has continued the system of permitting external Post-Graduation for another 8 years for the benefit of the teachers, who hold Diploma / Degrees. It may be worth pointing out that at the helm of affairs controlling the policy making for prescribing standards of education etc. are at manned by the teachers with Diploma, who have reached the stage of Asst. Professors and Professors. They are keen on sub- serving the interest of their Colleges. In addition, there are certain teachers with graduation only who have reached the top positions.

    Thus the continuation of external course in the Post-Graduate course has been done only for sub-serving the cause of a limited class of teachers. Diploma holders with 10 years professional experience can also take-up P.G. course.   

   That the comparative chart bringing out the distinction between the regular course and external course in Post-Graduation is filed herewith.  This would graphically present how the external course is lagging far behind in comparison to the regular course. Not only that the external course is for a shorter period the syllabus provided in two years is only for 400 marks without OPD and IPD, and no clinical training but also they do not have the vivas and the practicals whereas the regular students have to study subjects worth 1550 marks in the course of 3 years, in addition to OPD, IPD and teaching and clinical training. Thus the continuation of Post- Graduation through external course is highly discriminatory against the regular PG Degree holders also adverse to and prejudicial to the maintenance of excellence in the standard of education 

   Because the continuation of Post-Graduation Degree for external candidates with shorter course with no clinical and teaching training is adverse to the interest of the excellence and standard of education. Not only that it would be endangering and exposing the lives of the people to the hands of ill-trained Doctors. Therefore, the system of external P.G. Degree is irrational, arbitrary and would endanger the system.   The system of conferring Post-Graduate Medical Degrees by correspondence is opposed to all notions of organized training / education

   The discrimination is writ large in the system as the benefit of special provision to do external P.G. Degree-is not available to Degree holders with required teaching experience and it is limited only to diploma holders. Central Council of Homoeopathy should not encourage the external M.D. courses to maintain the standard of Homoeopathy in our country. 
Minimum Requirements according to CCH 
Diploma + Occupying a post not below the rank of Asst.Proff    or 7 years teaching in a college
Or 10 years professional experience 
Basic qualification for a Post- Graduation is a minimum of Graduation in all the universalities. But External MD is a PG to without a Graduation!!! 

The Association filed a civil writ petition at Delhi High court on 18.12.2001 No.7716/2001. and at Kerala Hig Court & Karnataka High Court challenging the validity of the notification issued by CCH dt 31.10.2001 as being arbitrary, irrational, discriminatory and violative of fundamental rights under article 14 of the constitution of India.  
We hope that above matter will be dealt with grave seriousness and necessary steps would be taken to resolve the situation.  
Expecting a favorable and positive response. 

Thanking you 
Yours faithfully 
      Sd/-
Dr. K.R.MANSOOR ALI
(Sec-in Charge)
All India Association of Post Graduate Homoeopaths.

Copy to: 
2. Hon. Prime Minister, Govt. of India
3. Hon. Union Health Minister, Govt. of India
4. Hon. Minister of ISM & Homoeopathy, Govt. of India
5. Hon Minister Of Health and Family Welfare.Kerala
6. Health Secretary, Govt. of India ,Kerala
7. Dr. S.P.S. Bakshi, President, C.C.H., New Delhi
8. Dr. Ramji Singh, Vice-President, C.C.H., New Delhi
9. P.G. Committee, C.C.H., New Delhi
10. Director, C.C.R.H., New Delhi
11. Director, Homoeopathic Board of various States
12. Vice-Chancellors of  Universities
13. Dr.M.P.Prakasan.Hon. CCH Member Kerala
14. President KHMGA
15. President. PG students Association Calicut & Trivandrum
16. Legal Adviser AAPGH
17. Opposition party leader.Kerala
18. Princiapl GHMC Calicut & Trivandrum