HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy
is a system of treatment noted for its economy, easy application
and absence of side effects. It is applied for curing chronic
diseases also. It was recognised by the Travancore state
Government as early as in 1947 and Government institution
came into existence in 1958. Up to 1968 the Government Homeo
Institution was under Director of Indigenous Medicine.
An Assistant Director (Homeo) was put in charge of Homeopathy
in 1973 and Department of Homeopathy was formed under a
Director of Homeopathy.
Steady progress was made in the field of rendering medical
relief to the public through Homeo hospitals/ dispensaries
by the department of Homeopathy. Homeo education is also
promoted.
There were 31 homeo hospitals with 950 beds and 384 dispensaries
as on 31/3/95. It has been proved that Homeopathy can improve
the health standards of the people and there is a wide demand
from the public to open new Homeopathy hospitals and dispensaries
in the state. The growth of Homeo institutions over the
year is is as below:
Number
of Homeo Hospitals over the years
| Year |
Homeo
Hospitals |
Homeo
dispensaries |
| 1986 |
24 |
227 |
| 1990 |
26 |
274 |
| 1991 |
30 |
312 |
| 1992 |
30 |
338 |
| 1993 |
31 |
360 |
| 1994 |
31 |
374 |
| 1995 |
31 |
384 |
| 1996 |
31 |
394 |
Homeo
Education
The homeopathic education was started in 1960’s in the private
sector. There are at present 4 Homeopathic Medical Colleges
in the state of which 2 are in the Government sector.
BHMS degree course and BHMS (graded) degree course are being
conducted in the Government colleges and the annual intake
of students is 100 for each course. The Government Homeopathic
Medical College was started in 1975-76, the first of its
kind in South India for imparting degree courses in Homeopathy.
The degree course in BHMS is of four and half years duration
followed by one year house surgency. The Calicut college
is affiliated to the University of Calicut and is recognised
by the Central and State Governments. Government Homeopathic
Medical College at Thiruvananthapuram was started in 1981-82
and is affiliated to the University of Kerala. During 1982-83
Government accorded sanction for starting degree colleges
in the private Homeo Medical College at Kurichy both BHMS
degree and diploma courses are being conducted with an annual
intake of 50 and 120 students respectively. In other private
college at Ernakulam BHMS diploma course is being conducted
with an annual intake of 60 students. The qualified doctors
from these institutions enter the national mainstream either
through entrance or through private practice.
