Alcohol in Homeopathy

Published On:

The editorial discusses the public health and regulatory challenges posed by alcoholic tinctures marketed in India as homeopathic remedies.

A recent Supreme Court judgment in the Bhagwati Medical Hall case has highlighted the issue of alcoholic tinctures sold as homeopathic remedies. These tinctures contain up to 12% alcohol, making them comparable to alcoholic beverages and raising public health concerns. The regulatory framework for these tinctures under the Constitution is complex. Medicinal alcohol was previously taxed at 4%, but after GST implementation, the Union prescribed an 18% tax, still lower than the standard alcohol tax.

State governments have tried to ban these tinctures due to revenue loss and misuse as substitutes for alcoholic beverages. However, their efforts have been challenged by the homeopathy industry using legal loopholes, particularly under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Health risks arise as these products are consumed by vulnerable groups seeking unproven remedies, and State governments lack authority to regulate alcohol in these tinctures. Attempts to amend laws and address the issue have been delayed or obstructed due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The homeopathy industry opposed Rule 106B, which sought to limit retail sale of tinctures, on the grounds of procedural irregularities. The larger concern is the unchecked sale of these products and their misuse, posing health risks and undermining public health objectives.