Dr. Nidhi Kataria

How do I choose a homeopathy doctor, and what is the difference between BHMS and MD (Hom)?

Short answer

BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) is the five-and-a-half-year undergraduate degree, including a one-year internship, that qualifies a person to practise homeopathy in India. MD (Hom) is a three-year postgraduate degree taken after BHMS in a chosen homeopathic subject. Both are legitimate qualifications. When choosing, check that the doctor is registered, takes a proper case history, is honest about timelines and works alongside your other doctors.

Reviewed by Dr. Nidhi Kataria, MD (Hom) · General information, not a substitute for a personal consultation.

BHMS and MD (Hom), factually

BHMS is the basic medical qualification in homeopathy: four and a half years of study followed by a compulsory one-year internship. MD (Hom) is a three-year postgraduate course that a BHMS graduate takes in one subject, such as Materia Medica, Organon of Medicine, Repertory, Practice of Medicine, Paediatrics or Psychiatry.

Homeopathic education and practice in India are regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy, and every practising doctor must be registered with a state homoeopathy council. A degree tells you about training; it does not, on its own, tell you how well a particular doctor will handle your case.

Practical checks before you book

Look for a registered practitioner whose degree is stated plainly. Expect a detailed first consultation — a proper homeopathic case cannot be taken in two minutes — and a doctor who asks for your reports and the medicines you already take.

A trustworthy doctor gives you a realistic review point instead of a promised outcome, tells you clearly when you need a specialist, tests or emergency care, and is transparent about fees and what is charged separately.

Signs to be cautious about

Be careful with anyone who promises a fixed result or a date for a chronic condition, asks you to stop medicines another doctor has prescribed, or discourages tests, vaccinations or specialist opinions.

Homeopathy is positioned for recurring and long-running concerns. A practitioner who offers it in place of emergency or hospital care is not acting in your interest.

Nearby or online?

A homeopathic case rests mostly on conversation, so for chronic concerns a video consultation widens your choice beyond whoever happens to be closest. In-person visits make more sense when a physical examination matters or when you simply prefer meeting the doctor.

Dr. Nidhi Kataria holds an MD (Hom) and has 5+ years of clinical experience. First consultations are about 30 minutes; online booking is Rs. 500 on this website, and Khar West, Mumbai visits are by prior appointment.