The Lok Sabha passed the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in its sitting which lasted till late last night. Rajya Sabha had passed these bills on 18th of this month.
 
Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill amends the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973.  The Act sets up the Central Council of Homoeopathy which regulates homeopathic education and practice. The bill replaces the Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which was promulgated in April this year.

The legislation amends the 1973 Act to increase the period for the supersession of the Central Council from two years to three years.
 

The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill amends the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970. The Act provides for the constitution of a Central Council which regulates the education and practice of the Indian medicine system including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy.

The bill replaces the Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which was promulgated in April this year. It provides that the Central Council will stand superseded from April this year and the council will be reconstituted within one year from the date of its supersession.

In the interim period, the Central Government will constitute a Board of Governors, which will exercise the powers of the Central Council. The board will consist of up to ten members.
 
Replying to a discussion on the bills, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, the government is committed to bringing the positive changes in the Indian medicine systems in a transparent manner to provide quality health care facilities.

He said that Homeopathy, Yoga and Naturopathy are the ancient medicine systems and these have a scientific basis. The Minister said that historic decisions have been taken in the health care sector under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.