Salaam Homoeopathy
NATIONAL JOURNAL HOMOEOPATHY 1993 Mar / Apr VOL II No 2.
Dr Gunavante S M.
The spontaneous and magnificent way in which Bombayites rushed to the succour of the maimed, wounded and the bereaved, in the horrendous bomb blasts that shook the Bombay-man on 12th March, brought forth this appreciative salutation, "Salaam Bombay" from everyone.
In the same way, looking at the Homoeopathic scene around the world, including India, one feels like shouting in exhilaration "Salaam Homoeopathy". Life in Homoeopathic circles everywhere is throbbing with energy, exhuberance and creativity. So many journals on Homoeopathy are being published. Seminars are held in India and abroad, and more frequently than ever before. This fact betokens the increasing interest and eagerness to master the art of homoeopathic prescribing on the part of a large number of practitioners. In the same way, new books on Homoeopathy, catering to the needs of all levels of knowledge and ability, are being constantly added to the existing literature. Study groups are regularly meeting to enhance their knowledge and share their experience. Unfortunately, we do not know how many such groups are functioning in India and what benefits are derived from these group discussions. We would be glad to contribute our bit to encourage and if necessary guide these study groups. Study groups in our opinion are grass roots of the process of development and progress, as it is through personal contacts and exchange of views and experiences facilitated by group discussions, that the individual practitioners benefits the most.
Another facet of our "Salaam Homoeopathy" spirit is the increasing acceptance of Homoeopathy not only by the lay consumers but also by an increasing number of physicians of the orthodox school. A number of them, when confronted with "incurable cases frankly advise their able cases frankly advise their patients to try Homoeopathy. Many of them even use remedies like Arnica, Hypericum, Belladonna, Calendula etc in their practice. A couple of psychiatrists who meet me regularly, have picked up the art of Homoeopathy so much, that they are able to achieve commendable successes (as against allopathic antidepressants), to their own as well as the patients satisfaction.
All these are healthy and heart-warming trends. But it is not a time to relax. This is a time and an opportunity to work with redoubled zeal and energy, for advancing the cause of Homoeopathy. Let us not forget that a large majority of people still rush for Allopathic treatment, where Homoeopathy could have solved their problems gently, rapidly and at a fraction of the cost incurred for allopathic treatment. Yet, the climate of opinion is steadily turning in our favour and we would not be worth our salt, if we do not seize this opportunity to win over more and more people to our side. A few important steps to follow:
- Open as many charitable, low / reasonable cost dispensaries in towns and cities. This will carry Homoeopathy to the door step of people and give them a taste of the pudding. A few quickly cured cases will speak louder than a thousand words on the mike or in print. This step will also give an opportunity to a large number of qualified Homoeopaths, turned out by the colleges every year to fruitfully employ their knowledge and abilities. For the space required for such OPD centres, a central organisation like Dr Subodh Mehta Medical Centre or the AFAC Homoeo Medical Centre of Chembur or any other organisation should make a public appeal (through advertisement and also by word of mouth) inviting charity minded people to make available suitable space for 2-3 hours in the morning and / or evening. The teaming millions and a large number of co-op housing societies as well as philanthropists in large cities (even towns) would surely come forward, offering a small space for a limited number of hours of the day, with a special effort at persuation.
- Hold periodical public meetings to increase the awareness of people to the benefits of Homoeopathy.
- As we gather experience in these two aspects, the Centre which supervises these activities, could bring out a periodical in the local language, placing before the public, the role which the charitable centres play in building up health of the people, by quoting experiences of patients.
- To ensure that physicians manning these Centres become able practitioners, fortnightly meetings could be held, where scientific, problems and difficulties could be discussed, or guided by leading practitioners from time to time.