Homoeopathy at the Intersection of Law, Science, and Public Health in India

Homoeopathy, as a recognized component of India’s AYUSH framework, occupies a unique position at the convergence of legal regulation, scientific debate, and public health delivery. With increasing reliance on traditional and complementary medicine—globally used by nearly 80% of populations for primary healthcare as per WHO estimates—the role of homoeopathy in India’s healthcare system demands critical and structured analysis. This paper aims to examine the legal status of homoeopathy in India, analyse its scientific principles and controversies, evaluate its contribution to public health, and identify policy gaps for its effective integration into mainstream healthcare systems. The study adopts a doctrinal research approach, relying on primary legal sources such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020, along with policy documents of the Ministry of AYUSH, WHO reports, and relevant academic literature. The paper explores the evolution of homoeopathy within India’s legal and institutional framework, its scientific foundations including ultra-dilution and individualized treatment, and its growing role in addressing chronic, psychosomatic, and preventive healthcare needs. The study finds that while homoeopathy is legally recognized and widely practiced—with over 2 lakh registered practitioners in India—its integration into public health remains limited due to regulatory fragmentation, scientific skepticism, and lack of standardized protocols. Strengthening regulatory coherence, promoting evidence-based research, and integrating homoeopathy into primary healthcare can enhance its contribution to accessible, affordable, and holistic healthcare delivery in India.