Today we interview Dr. Girish Gupta, M.D. (Hom.). He is Chief Consultant at Gaurang Clinic and Centre for Homoeopathic Research, Lucknow. He has served as Secretary General of the Asian Homoeopathic Medical League and President of the Homoeopathic Research Foundation (HRF). A recipient of the International Hahnemann Memorial Award and many other honors, he has published 71 clinical research papers in both national and international journals.
AS: Dr. Gupta, for how many years you have been practicing homoeopathy? You have been honored with numerous prestigious awards. What first inspired you to study homoeopathy?
Dr. Gupta: Well, I am practicing Homoeopathy since 1982, almost 38 years. Yes, I have received about 20 awards so far. My first inspiration to study homoeopathy came from late Dr. R. B. Singh who was my family doctor. Homoeopathy was the first choice of treatment in my family since 1940, the era of my grandfather.
AS: You have been involved in many aspects of homoeopathy, especially research, having published 71 research papers. What motivated you to pursue research?
Dr. Gupta: The main stimulus for me to pursue evidence-based research was to remove the tag that homoeopathy is nothing but placebo/ aqua therapy or psychotherapy etc.
AS: What kinds of research are most needed these days?
Dr. Gupta: Evidence-based clinical research and experimental research to prove the mode of action of potentized drugs is the need of the hour.
AS: In spite of all the research in homoeopathy, the allopathic community still seems hostile to homoeopathy. Have there been any efforts to educate allopaths about homoeopathy?
Dr. Gupta: All the allopath’s are not against homoeopathy. A lot of them are resorting to homoeopathic treatment for their family. Only evidence-based work monitored by modern scientific parameters can convince them about scientificity of homoeopathy. We must also publish our well documented cases in journals to attract physicians of other systems of medicine.
AS: What is the position of the Government of India regarding homeopathy? Is homeopathy restricted at all? Who is in charge of AYUSH?
Dr. Gupta: Homoeopathy enjoys the full support of the Government of India. There is no question of restriction in India. AYUSH is controlled by Ayurvedic and homoeopathic physicians.
AS: Since lay people don’t usually read scientific studies, would it make sense to advertise homeopathy directly to the public in the same way other products are advertised? Might that increase demand for and understanding of homeopathy?
Dr. Gupta: Advertising homoeopathic products can definitely popularize homoeopathy.
AS: There has been much speculation about the genus epidemicus of COVD-19. What resources would be needed to properly research the genus epidemicus for this pandemic? Do you know if any organizations or individuals are currently working on this?
Dr. Gupta: The main resource to select a genus epidemicus for Covid-19 is the collection of symptoms of patients admitted or quarantined in hospitals. The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, under Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India is working on this epidemic apart from several NGO’s and homoeopathic medical colleges. Their results, however, are yet to be published.
AS: India is one of the last strongholds of homoeopathy in the world. What is the state of homoeopathic education in India?
Dr. Gupta: Yes. Homoeopathy is the second most popular system of medicine in India next to Allopathy. It is being patronized by the public, the government of India and almost all the state governments. There are 200 plus homoeopathic medical colleges imparting education at three levels i.e. BHMS of 5½ year duration, MD in seven subjects of 3-year duration and PhD for 3-year duration (only in a few institutions).
AS: Homoeopathy has been removed from the National Health Services in England, France and Germany, where it was called placebo. India is one of the last strongholds of homoeopathy. What is needed for homoeopathy to continue to grow and thrive in India?
Dr. Gupta: Homoeopathy is being attacked in European countries mainly due to the pressure of multinational pharmaceutical companies because they see a big threat to their business. Evidence-based work in homoeopathy can only popularize this system in India.
AS: You are currently Chief Consultant at Gaurang Clinic and Centre for Homoeopathic Research. What part of your work is most satisfying these days?
Dr. Gupta: Our clinical research work based on documentary evidence and in- vitro evaluation of potentized drugs against plant and animal viruses and pathogenic fungi and their publication in various journals is most satisfying. We have recently published two books entitled ‘Evidence-based Research of Homoeopathy in Gynaecology’ and ‘Evidence-based Research of Homoeopathy in Dermatology’ which are becoming very popular.
AS: Your books, ‘Evidence-based Research of Homoeopathy in Gynaecology and Evidence-based Research of Homoeopathy in Dermatology are unique in the literature. Can you tell us how they differ from most books on these subjects?
Dr. Gupta: These are unique in the sense that both books are evidence based. There is hardly any book with scientific evidence of treated cases through classical homoeopathy. The book on gynaecology deals with cases of Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, PCOD and Fibroadenoma of breast.
The other book on dermatology deals with successfully treated cases of Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Molluscum Contagiosum, Warts and fungal infection etc. These can be ordered through the website www.gcchr.com/publications or WhatsApp no. 7318520111.
AS: Aside from their value to homeopaths, these books will inform allopaths that many conditions normally requiring surgery or toxic drugs, can be successfully treated with homeopathy. That’s a very important message. Thank you for sharing with us today and for the important work you continue to do with patients and in validating homeopathy.
