🔆 The article discusses a recent directive issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration that allows homeopathic practitioners to prescribe allopathic medicines. Key Points: ✅Controversial Directive: The directive has been met with strong opposition from the medical community, particularly the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has challenged it in court. ✅Legal Challenges: The Bombay High Court has stayed the directive, questioning its legality and the potential risks to patients. ✅Crosspathy Concerns: Critics argue that this directive promotes "crosspathy," where practitioners of one system of medicine prescribe medications from another, which is not permitted by law. ✅Shortage of Doctors: The government justifies this move by citing a shortage of doctors in rural areas, suggesting that AYUSH practitioners can help fill this gap. However, experts argue that this approach is not a sustainable or appropriate solution to address healthcare needs. ✅Need for Orderly Integration: While acknowledging the need to improve healthcare access in rural areas, experts emphasize the importance of a well-defined and regulated system for integrating alternative medicine practitioners into the healthcare system. ✅Possible UPSC Prelims Question: What is "crosspathy" in the context of healthcare? A. A system of medicine that combines elements of Ayurveda and Homeopathy. B. The practice of a healthcare provider prescribing medications outside their area of expertise. C. The use of traditional medicine alongside modern medicine. D. The integration of technology into healthcare delivery. ✅Possible UPSC Mains Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrating traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy into the mainstream healthcare system in India. Analyze the ethical and legal considerations involved in such integration and suggest a framework for ensuring patient safety and access to quality healthcare.