Nipah virus: Government rejects claims by Homeopaths body

KOZHIKODE: The Institution of Homeopaths Kerala (IHK) and the Homeopathic Medical Association of India (IHMA) have claimed that homeopathy possesses drugs to prevent and cure the Nipah epidemic. "Homeo has a rich tradition in treating all illnesses including communicable diseases  and hence homeopaths should be given a chance in treating Nipah," said Dr. N Saji, IHMA State vice-president.

The office-bearers claimed that the Homoeo drugs; Belladona 30 and Calcarb 200 are effective for the treatment of Nipah. "Nipah can be controlled to a great extent with the help of these drugs along with the precautions needed to prevent the spread," said Dr. Unnikrishnan B Nair, IHK State president. Regarding the distribution of Homeopath medicine at Mukkam for Nipah treatment which courted controversy, they pointed that Homeopathy Director's circular had called for distributing homeo drug for the 'fever now prevailing in the society'. The homeo drug thus distributed caused body stress to the consumed thus sparking controversy. 

However, the Department of Health ruled out the claim made by the homeopaths associations. "The department has not come across any such claim and it should be brought to the notice of Director of Homeopathy if there is any," said Rajeev Sadanandan, Additional Chief Secretary, taking care of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. According to DMO (Homeo) Dr. Kavitha Purushothaman, as per the instructions and order of the government there is no provision for homeopathy stream to treat Nipah patients.The medical practitioners and experts ridiculed the claim made by homeopaths, that they have a medicine for Nipah.