Introduction:

In every part of the world, communities depend on health systems for their illness. A strong health-systems prevents, detect, and respond to deadly diseases. The health systems prevent the outbreaks from becoming epidemics, promote the well-being of people and save lives. But when health systems break down, as we saw during tragic epidemics in some parts of the world, their failure threatens global security and pushes more people into the depths of extreme poverty.“A health system is defined as consisting of all people, institutions, resources, and activities whose primary purpose is to promote, restore, and maintain health”.

Health and Homoeopathy:

Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine created in the year 1796 by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann a German Physician. It is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’. In other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if taken in large amounts. It is extremely safe to use, very affordable without any side effects.

The Indian Institute of Homoeopathic Physicians (IIHP) is a registered professional organization of qualified Homoeopathic Physicians in India, striving for the cause and development of Homoeopathy and welfare of Homoeopathic graduates. This organization is the brainchild of Late Padmashree Dr. K.G. Saxena who had dedicated his whole life for the development and recognition of Homoeopathy in India.

The IIHP is committed to propagate the principles and practice of Homoeopathy as envisaged in the Organon of Medicine without any compromise. IIHP adheres to the mission of Homoeopathy, “The Physician’s high and only mission is to restore the sick to health, to cure, as it is termed”.

Introduction to Vision document:

History of recognition of Homoeopathy in India dates back to 1937. Dr. K.G. Saxena who was a young and dynamic Homoeopathic graduate from Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College, after completing his studies started Homoeopathic practice in Delhi. There after he had spent his whole life struggling for the cause, development and recognition of Homoeopathy as a system of medicine in the country. He was instrumental in getting recognition for a Homoeopathic system of medicine in India after a long struggle.

Dr. Saxena’s extraordinary Vision and efforts in laying the foundation for Homoeopathy in this country had helped the science to achieve its present status not only in India but also in other countries. IIHP followed his footsteps and took the responsibility to take forward his legacy to establish Homoeopathy not only as a science but also as the first line of treatment in the primary healthcare in the country. IIHP will also put sustained efforts to unfold the full potential of Homoeopathy in the secondary and tertiary health care too.

Vision Statement:

The Vision Statement is to improve and enrich the health of all citizens, particularly women, children, and elderly citizens. It aims at providing universal access to eco-friendly, affordable and quality healthcare, ready to attain Sustainable Development Goals and fulfill its other global health responsibilities.

Statement of Purpose: The Current Scenario

1. In India, the Homoeopathic Systems of Medicine is being used widely in every nook and corner of the country due to their accessibility, and sometimes, because they offer the only kind of medicine within the physical and financial reach of the patient. The Homoeopathic system is also embedded in the beliefs of a wide section of the public due to its safe administration, cost-effectiveness and without any adverse complications. So, it continues to be an integral and important part of people’s lives and for some, it is also a way of life.

2. The world is looking forward towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine or Traditional Medicine due to complications and cost factors involved in modern medicine. In India also, there is a resurgence of interest in Indian Systems of Medicine, more so for Homoeopathy. People are becoming concerned about the adverse effects of synthetic based chemical- drugs, drug resistance and the escalating costs of conventional health care. Longer life expectancy and lifestyle-related problems have brought with them an increased risk of developing chronic, debilitating diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and mental disorders. Although new treatments and technologies for dealing with them are plentiful, nonetheless more and more patients are now looking for simpler, gentler therapies like Homoeopathy for improving the quality of life and avoiding iatrogenic problems.

3. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine in the world today and is used by over 600 million people worldwide. In India, over 100 million people depend on homeopathy for their health and wellness needs. Homeopathy is practiced in over 80 countries and the global homeopathy market size is increasing enormously day by day.

4. The study conducted by Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) in 2016on acceptance Homoeopathy in India in eight metropolitan cities revealed that 59% people shifted from Allopathy to Homoeopathy in India. Moreover, 77 per cent of people believe that homoeopathy is the best form of treatment in terms of long term benefits, the report claims.

5. It is interesting to know that a very large percentage of people are universally aware of homeopathy and the usage of homeopathic treatment.It is higher than any other form of treatment. Experiences among users of homeopathy are in the positive direction due to higher satisfaction levels that have resulted in higher advocacy, ultimately signaling positive news for the homeopathic treatment. Among homeopathy users, 91% are satisfied with the treatment and 93% are willing to recommend homeopathy to others due to satisfactory treatment.

6. Today India manufactures its own homeopathic drugs. Homeopathy has become one of the fastest growing fields of complementary medicine, thanks to its success in treating chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies, migraines, ulcers, arthritis and in some cases even cancer etc.

7. India possesses an unmatched heritage represented by its ancient system of medicine which is a treasure house of knowledge for both preventive and curative healthcare. The positive and advantage of the Homoeopathic System of Medicine is, its diversity and flexibility, accessibility, affordability, low cost, a low level of technological input and growing economic value. It has great potential to make it the provider of health care that the larger sections of our people need. Here the Homoeopathic system of medicines fits into the needs of the country due to its above qualities. Though the Homoeopathic system of medicine was born in Germany two centuries ago, the Homoeopathic treatment has totally changed the perception of Indian people towards it due to its sound natural principles. Hence the system developed deep roots in the minds of people.

8. India is the only country with a huge infrastructure comprising of thousands of Homoeopathic private and public dispensaries and hospitals, registered practitioners and number of private and public Homoeopathic medical institutes offering graduate, postgraduate courses. Research councils and several extramural research centres have also contributed to clinical research covering Homoeopathic drugs for a range of diseases and public health problems. Research conducted over the last fifty years have led to many useful conclusions about the use of homoeopathic medicine to treat numerous intractable problems. Although Govt. has set up an independent Ministry for Ayush systems of medicine to give focus to these issues, the Ministry has not been able to play a significant role particularly for the Homoeopathic system in health care delivery services for want of their legitimate involvement in public health programs.

9. The Government has reiterated that Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy offer a wide range of preventive, promotive and curative treatments that are both cost-effective and efficacious and there is a need for ending the long neglect of these systems in our healthcare strategy. Budgetary support has been augmented and fiscal incentives and concessions that are available to the modern pharmaceutical industry have been assured to some ISM sectors. The resurgence of interest in Ayurveda and other Indian Systems of Medicine in India and abroad and the opportunities created by such interest has been well perceived in the Government. Unfortunately, when the question of Homoeopathy comes there is a lethargic attitude from the Govt. that needs to be addressed.

10. The Central policy for Health and Family Welfare in 1999 recommended, inter-alia, that at least one physician from the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy (ISM & H) should be available in every primary health care centre and that vacancies caused by non- availability of allopathic personnel should be filled by Ayush physicians. The Council also resolved that specialist Ayush treatment centres should be introduced in rural hospitals and a wing should be created in existing state and district level government hospitals to extend the benefits of these systems to the public. In 2001, it was further reiterated that the States must revisit the subject and identify specific areas where Ayush practitioners can be entrusted with public health functions within the ambit of state legislation. However such decisions have not seen the light of the day and Homoeopathic system of medicines continues to be neglected irrespective of the above policy.

11. It has been a concern for stakeholders that the allocation for development of Homoeopathy was meagre in the health budget of the nation. A corrective and promotive policy needs to be initiated so that Homoeopathy can fully realize its potential and contribute more meaningfully to the health services. It is essential to create the necessary infrastructure, making available Homoeopathic drugs and replenish supplies, reorient the practitioners and teachers, upgrade inpatient facilities, build awareness about the efficacy of the Homoeopathic system, besides setting up laboratories and enforcement mechanisms for quality control. At the state level, the allocation of funds should be improved. Allocated funds must be released and utilized properly. Funds should be made available to set up separate Directorate for Homoeopathy that could give a direction to the policies and programs aimed at making use of the systems.

12. Homoeopathic Medical education in Indian has been a cause of great concern. After enactment of Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973, a five-and-half years Under- Graduate course and a three years Post Graduate course was introduced. However, logistics for adequate clinical exposure and internship was not made.Number of Homoeopathic colleges have increased phenomenally. The Central Council has implemented various educational regulations to ensure minimum standards of education. Despite this, there has been a mushroom growth of sub-standard colleges causing erosion to the standards of education and harming medical training and practice. Liberal permission by the State Government, loopholes in the existing Acts and weakness and lack of interest in the enforcement of standards of education and malpractices adopted by enforcing authorities have contributed to the present state of affairs. Conflicting of interests among members of enforcing authorities lead to deteriorating of standards in the Homoeopathic education.

13. Drug Standardization, Regulations & Enforcement of Homoeopathic drug manufacturing is a matter of great concern in India. Homoeopathic medicines are very sensitive and have to be made as per the tenets prescribed in Homoeopathic Organon of medicine and Pharmacology. The drugs have been used for years with the same efficacy. Drugs manufacture and related matters are covered under the Drugs& Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. A large number of drug manufacturing units exist in large, medium, small and tiny sectors. Many items in the name of Homoeopathy with unethical preparations by combining two are more drugs are manufactured, marketed and used in the name of Homoeopathy without any results. The safety, efficacy, quality of these drugs and their rational use have not been assured or established. Though enforcement mechanism has been envisaged in the Act, most of the States, implementation of these enacted laws are not enforced strictly. There is reluctance on the part of a large number of manufacturers to adhere to good manufacturing practices.. Preparation of formularies and pharmacopoeial standards have been accelerated, but a lot is yet to be completed. There is no assurance whatsoever that Formularies and Pharmacopoeial standards are being followed by Homoeopathic drug manufacturers.

14. The Homoeopathic drug manufacturing Industry has not been able to grow qualitatively and develop optimally during the last five decades. Whatever growth has been achieved has been largely due to the industry's own initiative, undertaking its own namesake Research and Development over the years. No special funding or incentives have been extended to these sectors to help it realize its potential to manufacture quality drugs. The Homoeopathic drug industry has neither been declared a priority industry nor a green industry. Special packages for this sector to strengthen it and expand its outreach has not been addressed as a result it would be correct to call this sector nascent and in dire need of rejuvenation.

15. The modern pharmaceutical industry has influenced health policy and health care systems the world over and India is no exception. The deep interest in the biomedical model of health has often been prompted by considerations which are not always rooted in concern for the health of citizens. Consumers are systematically led into believing that the biomedical model and its treatment options are the only alternatives and unfortunately most people are not willing to look beyond this model, leaving little attention and space for Homoeopathy and healthcare options, often shown to be both cost-effective and enduring. These conflicts of interest and ethical dilemmas in health care preventing the development of Homoeopathic science and denying its rightful place in the health care delivery system in India.

16. The most ideal place for conducting research activities in Homoeopathy is the teaching Institutions. An attempt should be made to identify suitable institutions with adequate infrastructure and staff in different States for this purpose. By giving guidance and necessary financial assistance, these institutions can be made to attract youngsters for undertaking research work. This will also reduce the establishment cost for research activities. IIHP intends to take up this with Research bodies to promote Research at the Institutional level and act as a catalyst between Institutes and Research bodies.

17. Many Homoeopathic books, in course of time, need updating and revision. The possibility for conducting literary research and developing and revising the books in Homoeopathy needs to be explored at the University level. For this, necessary financial provisions must be made by the Central & State Governments. IIHP intends to discuss this with University authorities.

Homoeopathy is a great system of medicine, but we are unable to take full benefit from this system, due to certain lacunae. To point out a few,

• Poor public awareness, particularly in rural areas.
• People have numerous wrong notions about homoeopathy.
• In most rural areas, homoeopathic medicines are not available.
• Government patronage and funding is insufficient
• The educational institutions need to improve. The physical infrastructure in several colleges of the country is below standard. In several other institutions, physical infrastructure is present but is not being properly utilized.
• Similar is the state of instruments in the institutions and hospitals; unavailable, out of order or unutilized.
• The human infrastructure in the homoeopathic institutions is also deficient. There is an acute shortage of teaching as well as non-teaching staff in most of the omoeopathic colleges.
• Most of the hospitals and dispensaries lack doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other staff.
• Numerous posts of homoeopathic doctors and lecturers lay vacant throughout the country, due to lack of posting by government
• Several homoeopathic dispensaries around the country remain closed, due to lack of doctors and the government’s deaf ear.
• At present, the existing homoeopathic dispensaries in most places are run in a single old dilapidated room, and only a few medicines are available. New homoeopathic hospitals with proper OPD and IPD facilities should be opened in each district and the existing hospitals and dispensaries need to be refurbished and upgraded with the latest standard instruments and facilities.
• The homoeopathic hospitals and dispensaries need a regular supply of medicines and other essential requirements, which is not provided by the government, on time, even after repeated requests.
• Due to lack of placement, after passing, meritorious students opt for other streams instead of building their career with homoeopathy.

Future strategy and action plan:

Firstly, we need to collect, study, understand, analyze and define the health needs of the public that includes preventive, promotive and curative aspects of public health through Homoeopathic principles.

The purpose of IIHP is primarily to cause the development of Homoeopathy in the country and strive for the welfare of qualified Homoeopathic physicians. Although vast infrastructure and manpower are available in Homoeopathy for addressing health care of our people, this system of Medicine is not utilized to its full potential. It is necessary to initiate measures to enable a Homoeopathic system of medicine to integrate into public healthcare delivery system of the country. Simultaneously, planned efforts will be made to integrate its services, at the appropriate levels, within specified areas of responsibility and functioning in the overall health care delivery systems, especially with regard to the preventive, promotive and curative public health objectives. It is a great necessity for a meaningfully phased integration of the Homoeopathy in line with the modern medicines at various levels of the health care delivery system.

Ultimately, we need to improve and enrich the health of all Indians particularly women and children through universal access to affordable, quality and essential health care with Eco- friendly Homoeopathy and to promote it as first line and safest mode of treatment for all illness and make it a responsive health care delivery system and fulfill its other global health responsibilities.

The following strategies have been laid outinorder to achieve our objectives:

• a. Render cost-effective and equitable Homoeopathic health care throughout the country by improving access to the services through its Members.
• b. Revitalize and strengthen the Homoeopathic systems making them prominent medical streams in addressing the health care of the society.
• c. Organize Seminars, Workshops and CME Programs for the benefit of the Homoeopathic profession.
• d. Coordinate with educational institutions capable of imparting quality Homoeopathic education.
• e. Promote the adoption of Quality standards of Homoeopathic treatment.
• f. Provide free effective Homoeopathic services through Medical camps and charitable services and promote School Health Services in urban and rural areas by providing easy access to health, nutrition and hygiene education and services through Homoeopathic medicines that is a simple and cost-effective tool which can go a long way in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• g. Organize and strengthen the quality of medical education in Homoeopathic institutions by motivating the students through lectures and interaction with experienced clinical academic resource person under Homoeopathic Education Quality Improvement Program of IIHP.
• h. Take up issues with concerned authorities regarding various issues concerning the financial and career prospects of teaching staff both in Public and Private Sector Homoeopathic Institutions so that these teaching staff will be able to concentrate more on the qualityTeaching with sincerity.
• i. Interact with Public Health authorities in carrying out preventive aspects of epidemics through Homoeopathy.
• j. Create a cell to deal with Disasters and provide psychological rehabilitation centres for the affected people.
• k. Create Epidemic cell to deal with epidemics.
• l. Undertake Corporate Social Responsible Schemes in Public Health Education regarding Sanitation, Hygiene, Nutrition and prevention of diseases.
• m. Encourage Research in the promotion of Homoeopathic drugs in Agriculture and Veterinary sciences.
• n. Interact with Drug manufacturer for producing quality and reliable Homoeopathic drugs.
• o. Interact with Research bodies at Govt. and private level to encourage Homoeopathic Research.
• p. Interact with Homoeopathic Education Regulatory authorities regarding the framing of quality and standard education modes and modules.
• q. Interact with Public Health authorities in carrying out preventive aspects of epidemics.
• r. Enter into MOU with Homoeopathic agencies abroad and conduct joint studies/surveys to study the efficacy of Homoeopathic drugs and disease patterns in various diseases.
• s. Organize Seminars and Workshops in associations with other organizations having similar aims and objectives for the benefit of the Homoeopathic fraternity.
• t. Promote Sports Medicine through Homoeopathy.
• u. Promote Tele-medicine to help and render Homoeopathic care to the patients residing in far-flung areas.
• v. Sensitize and encourage the young generation to take up Homoeopathic research.
• w. Conduct a debate, quiz and essay writing competitions for students of Homoeopathic educational Institutes and award both cash and kind prizes.
• x. Provide guidance to Homoeopathic graduates for job opportunities.
• y. Undertake Corporate Social Responsible Schemes in Public Health Education regarding Sanitation, Hygiene, Nutrition and prevention of diseases.

Roadmap:

Following are the important points along the path towards our goal:

• 1. Safeguard and advance the science, art and practice of Homoeopathy for the benefit of present and future generations and the environment
• 2. Transform communities through Homoeopathic medicare
• 3. Create world-class Homoeopaths that inspires people to adopt Homoeopathic treatment for all diseases.
• 4. Nurture and grow our membership throughout the country who will be willing to fulfil the vision of IIHP.
• 5. Provide a voice for all Homoeopaths.
• 6. Sharing academic, Clinical and research knowledge.
• 7. Providing information about homoeopathy
• 8. Developing the evidence base for homoeopathy
• 9. Encouraging the education and training in homoeopathy of healthcare professionals
• 10. Ensuring patients have access to homoeopathy
• 11. Fundraising to support all of the above
• 12. Create a great environment at a workplace where everyone makes a difference.
• 13. Have efficient and ethical business practices that deliver maximum income for our noble cause.
• 14. Make Homoeopathy a career to be proud of.
• 15. We will help to create a more sustainable and better society, now and for generations to come. Our work in communities supports a more sustainable future for all, helping to create a happier and healthier society.
• 16. Help all stakeholders and end users.
• 17. Take up the issues with competent authorities for implementation of the vision document.

Public & Private partnership:

Since this is a huge task involving various angles and huge funding, a public-private partnership is essential. In the end, the general public will receive huge benefits from this collaboration. Not only will it bring homoeopathy to every household, but also create many job opportunities for the public. The private partner shall participate in designing, completing and implementing the project, while the public partner helps in funding as well as defining and monitoring compliance with the objectives.

Implementation and co-ordination mechanism for programs and activities envisaged in the action plan:

• 1. Members of IIHP shall appoint a committee.
• 2. Thereafter members shall be distributed into special action force teams.
• 3. The committee formed, shall assign various activities to different teams of members and then look into how the tasks are being accomplished by each team on the ground.
• 4. A certain team shall be responsible for proper implementation of their part of the task.
• 5. The certain team shall interact will the government for various procedures and permissions
• 6. Another team shall coordinate with the various educational institutions
• 7. Another team shall interact with the public and help in increasing public awareness
• 8. Another team shall be responsible for research works, seminars, workshops and CME programs.
• 9. A team shall be set up which will be responsible for checking quality standards.
• 10. Another team shall take care of Medical camps, charitable services and promote School Health Services in urban and rural areas.
• 11. A special telemedicine wing shall be created to provide homoeopathic care to the patients residing in far-flung areas.
• 12. Several similar teams shall work in unison to bring our dream of incorporating homoeopathy into the mainstream of medicine.
• 13. Finally, the advisory committee shall give proper advice and the action committee shall look into the functioning of each team so that everything runs smoothly.

IIHP Strategic objectives:

• 1. Safeguard and advance the science, art and practice of Homoeopathy for the benefit of present and future generations and the environment
• 2. Transform communities through Homoeopathic Healthcare.
• 3. Create world-class Homoeopaths that inspires people to adopt Homoeopathi treatment for all diseases.
• 4. Nurture and grow dedicated membership throughout the country who will be willing to fulfill the vision of IIHP.
• 5. Provide a voice for all Homoeopaths to face challenges.
• 6. Share academic, Clinical and research knowledge with all concerned.
• 7. Provide information on the advantages and benefits of homeopathy.
• 8. Develop evidence base for homeopathy
• 9. Encourage regular education and training for healthcare professionals
• 10. Ensure that patients have access to homeopathic treatment.
• 11. Fundraising to support for the above objectives.
• 12. Create a great environment at a work place where everyone makes a difference.
• 13. Encourage efficient and ethical business practices among members and member organizations.
• 14. Make Homoeopathy a career to be proud of.
• 15. Help to create a more sustainable and better society for now and for generations to come and helping to create a happier and healthier society.
• 16. Help and create awareness about key benefits of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan for the benefit of Economically deprived families.
• 17. Create awareness among the public on National AYUSH Mission.
• 18. Help all stake holders and end users.
• 19. Take up and vigorously pursue the issues with competent authorities for implementation of the vision document.

Sustainability lies at the heart of our agenda and good health is vital to the creation of a prosperous, successful, sustainable India. It will require action on many fronts not just in the traditional health sector. We must improve the health of everyone citizen in the country. We must pay particular attention to the mother & child, Senior citizens and reduce inequalities. We must also create a modern Homoeopathic healthcare delivering system with high quality care – able to meet the challenges ahead with ambition and confidence.

Overall priority of the Indian Institute of Homoeopathic Physician’s will be to ensure that homeopathy is available to all needy people. The organization strongly believes that homeopathy should be fully integrated into the healthcare system and should become a treatment of choice for everyone. It will build greater awareness among people about the efficacy of Homoeopathy. Indian Institute of Homoeopathic Physicians will strive to achieve the goals and objectives as envisaged in this Vision document and make IIHP a Vibrant organization.

Downloads IIHP Vision (PDF)

Downloads IIHP Vision (.doc)