Homoeopathy Courses in India

Homoeopathy is a holistic system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. It is practised on the principle, that a drug and a disease which produce similar symptoms cancel each other out in some way thereby restoring the patients to health. The principle of 'Like can cure Like' forms the basis of Homoeopathy. This system was first proposed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Homoeopathy professionals are known as Homoeopaths . They take in consideration, not only the symptoms of the disease, but they also use other aspects of the patient's physical and psychological state in recommending remedies. In Homoeopathy remedy is chosen based on the symptoms as well the character and temperament of the patient. In short two persons with same illness may be offered different remedies based on their individual nature. Scientifically it can not yet be explained precisely how it works, but new research in biochemistry and quantum physics is going some way towards shedding light on the process. Because of the lack of scientific and clinical evidence it is known as a form of alternative medicine.

Some of its specialized fields of Homoepathy are

• Homoeopathic Pharmacy.
• Paediatrics.
• Psychiatry.
• Skin Specialist.
• Infertility and Sex Specialist.

Content of Homeopathy Courses

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Materia Medica.
2. Organon of Medicine.
3. Community Medicine.
4. Repertory.
5. Practice of Medicine.

Objectives

• To gain a holistic perspective in caring for and treating patients holistically.
• To foster pioneering research and treatment.
• To provide world class facilities and establish it as a scientific area of medicine.

Basic Educational Requirement for Homoeopathic Courses

Eligibility for bachelor course i.e. BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery) is 10+2 in physics, chemistry, Biology and English with minimum 45 % marks. The duration of the course is five and half years, including internship. There is also a Diploma course of four year duration. At post graduate level, there is MD in Homeopathy which is of three years duration. Selection of BHMS is through the same All India Entrance Examination as for MBBS. The qualification required for entrance is 10+2 or equivalent with Science subjects. In the case of private medical colleges entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually. National Institute of Homoeopathy, Calcutta was established by the Government of India as a model institute to provide a high standard of teaching, training and research in all aspects of Homoeopathic system.

Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in Homoeopathy are offered by many colleges and universities in India. Major among them are:

1. National University of Homoeopathy, Calcutta
2. University of Health Science, Vijayawada.
3. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore.
4. Smt. Chandaben Mohanbhai Patel Homeopathic Medical College, Mumbai.
5. Calcutta Homeopathic Medical College, 265-6,Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Calcutta.

Other institutions include:

• Yerala Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, Mumbai.
• Venutai Yashwantrao Chavan Homoeopathic Medical College, Vengurla.
• Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Vengurla.
• Swami Vivekananda Homoeopathic Medical College, Bhavnagar.

Personal Attributes

Homoeopathic practitioners must be attuned to patients' physical and emotional states to create remedies specific to individuals. Achieving careers in homoeopathy takes commitment and a sincere interest in helping others to heal. They must have proficiency in the assimilation of plant, animal and mineral substances in the body.

Job Perspectives

Careers in homoeopathy are on the rise due in part to the public's demand for natural and alternative healing treatments. They can find employment in as medical officer/doctor at government and private homoeopathic hospitals. There are many job opportunities both in India and abroad. One can also start his/ her own practice or open ones own retail shop of homoeopathy medicines. Homoeopathic doctors can work industries engaged in homoeopathic preparations. They can also work as Professor in homoeopathic colleges or do research. A BHMS degree holder can also open up his own pharmacy after some years of experience.

Remuneration

In government Homoeopathy hospitals the starting salary scale is Rs.8000. for BAMS graduates. Professors in Homoeopathy colleges get more than Rs 8000/- per month. In private practice the remuneration depends totally on the effort you put in and your professional reputation. Dedicated and competent practitioners can earn more. A BAMS graduate working in private sector can earn more than what he earns in government sector. Running own pharmaceutical company is more remunerative than other jobs. But it totally depends upon sales turn over.

Some Job Types

1. Teachers.
2. Researchers.
3. Pharmacist.
4. Private practice.
5. Public health specialists.
6. Consultant.

Some Employment Areas

• Hospitals.
• Clinics.
• Charitable institutions.
• Research institutes.
• Medical colleges
• Training institutes.
• Pharmacies.
• Consultancies.