Homeopathy: Pseudoscience or Real Medicine? Status of Homeopathy Doctors in USA, UK, Australia
Homeopathy: Pseudoscience or Real Medicine? Status of Homeopathy Doctors in USA, UK, Australia
Can Indian Homeopathy Doctors Work Abroad as Doctors Reality of USA, UK, Australia
Status of Homeopathy in USA UK Australlia ?
USA, UK, and Australia, homeopathy is not taught in mainstream medical schools (MBBS/MD programs), but it is sometimes offered in separate alternative medicine or naturopathy schools.
Homeopathy is a controversial alternative medicine system that originated in the 18th century.
Its legality and recognition vary widely in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia.
Can Indian Homeopathy Doctors Work Abroad?
Reality Check for USA, UK, and Australia
In India, BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) is a recognized degree. But what happens when a homeopathy doctor from India moves to a country like the USA, UK, or Australia? Will they be allowed to practice as a doctor there?
Let’s understand the reality—backed by facts.
USA: Strict Rules, Limited Options
The USA does not recognize BHMS as equivalent to MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
Homeopathy is considered Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Only a few states allow alternative practitioners to operate in private clinics, but not as licensed physicians.
No homeopath, regardless of their degree in India, can legally write prescriptions or work in hospitals.
To become a licensed doctor in the USA, one must:
Have an MBBS-equivalent degree (not BHMS).
Pass the USMLE exams.
Complete a residency in the USA.
Even Indian MBBS doctors must clear exams and retrain to practice in the US.
The UK does not accept BHMS or MD (Hom) as a medical qualification.
Homeopaths can only work privately.
They cannot be employed in NHS hospitals or practice as General Practitioners (GPs).
The General Medical Council (GMC) does not register BHMS holders as doctors.
However, homeopaths may:
Join the Faculty of Homeopathy (UK).
Practice in private wellness clinics, but under strict regulations.
NHS England no longer funds homeopathy—calling it “a misuse of limited NHS funds.”
Australia: Almost No Scope Anymore
Australia does not recognize BHMS as a medical degree.
As of recent years, homeopathy has been removed from most universities.
The Australian Government does not support homeopathy, citing lack of scientific evidence.
You cannot become a registered medical doctor in Australia with a BHMS degree.
In Depth Status of Homeopathy in USA , UK, Australia
1. United States (USA)
Legal Status:
Yes, homeopathy is legal in the USA.
Regulatory Body:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates homeopathic products.
However, homeopathic remedies do not need to prove safety or effectiveness in the way conventional drugs do (as long as they meet specific labeling requirements).
Current Stance:
In 2017, the FDA announced plans for stricter oversight.
Homeopathic products making unsubstantiated health claims may face action.
Homeopathy is not recognized as evidence-based medicine by major scientific or medical organizations.
Medicine Status:
Not considered mainstream or scientifically supported.
Sold as over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or remedies, but not classified as “medicine” in the scientific/clinical sense.
The USA does not offer homeopathy education in its mainstream medical colleges (like Harvard, Stanford, etc.).
United Kingdom (UK)
Legal Status:
Yes, homeopathy is legal in the UK.
Regulation:
Regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
NHS Support:
The National Health Service (NHS) stopped funding homeopathy in 2017, citing lack of evidence.
In 2021, the NHS said homeopathy should not be prescribed by doctors.
Medicine Status:
Not considered valid evidence-based medicine.
Some pharmacies may still sell homeopathic products, but they are not endorsed by the government as effective treatments.
Homeopathy is not part of the curriculum in standard UK medical schools (like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, etc.).
Year 2018
NHS chief Simon Stevens has today welcomed the High Court’s decisive rejection of a legal challenge by the British Homeopathic Association to overturn plans to no longer routinely fund homeopathy on the NHS.
NHS chief, Simon Stevens said: “There is no robust evidence to support homeopathy which is at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds.
“So we strongly welcome the High Court’s clear cut decision to kick out this costly and spurious legal challenge.”
UK Parliment Report -
110. The Government's position on homeopathy is confused. On the one hand, it accepts that homeopathy is a placebo treatment. This is an evidence-based view. On the other hand, it funds homeopathy on the NHS without taking a view on the ethics of providing placebo treatments. We argue that this undermines the relationship between NHS doctors and their patients, reduces real patient choice and puts patients' health at risk. The Government should stop allowing the funding of homeopathy on the NHS.
111. We conclude that placebos should not be routinely prescribed on the NHS. The funding of homeopathic hospitals—hospitals that specialise in the administration of placebos—should not continue, and NHS doctors should not refer patients to homeopaths.
Australia
Legal Status:
Yes, homeopathy is legal in Australia.
Scientific Review:
In 2015, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) concluded:
“There are no health conditions for which there is reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective.”
Government Stance:
Homeopathy is not subsidized or endorsed by the Australian government.
In 2019, the government excluded it from private health insurance subsidies due to lack of scientific evidence.
Medicine Status:
Not recognized as a form of effective medicine by medical authorities.
Sold as complementary or alternative treatments.
No recognized universities teach homeopathy as part of standard medical education.
After the 2015 NHMRC report, many institutions phased out homeopathy courses.
Example (phased out):
Endeavour College of Natural Health once offered courses in homeopathy but discontinued them.
Suggested Reading -
Suggested Reading -
NHS England welcomes homeopathy court ruling
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