World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on 10 April to mark the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy. The 2026 theme is Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health. The day marks the system’s role in preventive care, chronic disease management, and holistic well-being. In India, homoeopathy has grown into a major component of the AYUSH framework, supported by regulation, research, education, and public health outreach.
Origins and Core Principles
Homoeopathy was formalised in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on two central ideas:
- Like cures like – a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person may help treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
- Law of minimum dose – remedies are highly diluted to stimulate the body’s self-healing response.
Homoeopathic medicines are prepared from plant, mineral, and animal sources. They are administered as tablets, globules, or liquids. Treatment is individualised and considers the patient’s physical and mental condition.
Homoeopathy in India
Homoeopathy entered India in the early 19th century and gained wider acceptance after successful treatment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh by John Martin Honigberger. Over time, it developed into a widely practised system. India now has one of the largest homoeopathic workforces in the world, with nearly a quarter of a million registered practitioners. The Ministry of AYUSH, created in 2014, gave the system stronger policy support through research, standardisation, and institutional development.
Institutions and Regulation
The National Commission for Homoeopathy was created under the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020, which came into force on 5 July 2021. It regulates education, maintains the national register, and sets academic standards. The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy conducts scientific and ethical research through a network of institutes and units across India. The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy develops standards for medicines and functions as a drug testing laboratory.
Public Health and Policy Support
Homoeopathy is supported through several government schemes and initiatives:
- National AYUSH Mission for service delivery and infrastructure.
- AYURSWASTHYA for quality improvement and advanced research.
- AYURGYAN for capacity building and professional training.
- Extra Mural Research for scientific validation.
- AOGUSY for quality control and manufacturing standards.
It is also used in awareness campaigns, community health activities, and selected epidemic preparedness efforts.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026