Growing Preference and Unabated Popularity: The State of Homeopathy in India Today

• Homeopathy continues to see strong patient preference across India, particularly for chronic conditions
• Challenges remain in areas of research, funding and dissemination, affecting wider acceptance

Bengaluru | April 09, 2026: Ahead of World Homeopathy Day, homeopathy continues to witness widespread acceptance across India, emerging as one of the most preferred complementary systems of medicine, particularly in the management of chronic and non-communicable diseases.

Its popularity remains significant among Indian patients and continues to grow globally. Some surveys suggest that nearly one in five individuals seeking treatment through government healthcare systems express a preference for homeopathy, though many may opt for allopathic alternatives due to limited availability of homeopathic services.

Homeopathy also plays a meaningful role in addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases, one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in the country. In India, homeopathic practitioners are considered among the most extensively trained globally, supported by rigorous academic frameworks and high levels of patient exposure.

The contribution of Bengal to the growth and institutionalisation of homeopathy in India remains significant in this context. Historical accounts highlight the role of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who, starting from 1864, integrated homeopathic treatment into his social work, providing care to thousands, particularly among underserved communities—marking one of the earliest structured efforts to make homeopathy accessible at scale. This momentum later translated into large-scale practice models such as the Mihijam-based centre established by his nephew Maharishi Pareshnath Banerji, which is believed to have treated nearly 1% of the population of undivided India—an unprecedented scale of healthcare delivery at the time.

The legacy was further carried forward by Prof. Dr. Parimal Banerji and continues today through institutions such as Dr. Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic in New Delhi, which has been providing free homeopathic treatment for nearly five decades. Even today, West Bengal remains one of the largest user bases for homeopathy in India, reflecting sustained cultural acceptance built over generations. Pandit Ishwar Chandar Vidyasagar’s work along with his brother Ishan Chandra should be treated as that of one of the founding fathers of homeopathy in India. Since them, every generation of their family has been at the forefront of homeopathic services in the country. Each subsequent generation whether Maharshi Pareshnath, followed by his son Dr. Parimal Banerji have been exemplary in the field.

Studies indicate that nearly 40% of clinical trials in homeopathy remain unpublished, limiting access to data and transparency. Additionally, publication bias remains a concern, with approximately 69% of studies in conventional journals reporting negative findings, compared to around 30% in complementary medicine journals—indicating disparities in research selection and dissemination.

Other challenges include limited funding, lack of sustained impetus for research and popularisation, and weak dissemination of findings through mainstream media—factors that contribute to a disconnect between patient demand and scientific visibility. The overwhelming burden of contributing to the evidence base often falls on a limited number of institutions.

Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, Padma Shri Recipient and Founder, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic, said, “Bengal has contributed to the widespread popularity of homeopathy that we see in India today. Patients are moving towards homeopathy in numbers never seen before.”

Dr. Kushal Banerjee, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic, said, “Homeopathy in India continues to see strong patient demand, particularly in the management of chronic diseases. While there is more work to be done in research, funding and dissemination, progress has been made. Strengthening the evidence base and improving visibility of research findings will be critical to validating the trust that patients already place in homeopathy.”

However, despite strong patient demand, the system continues to face several structural and research-related challenges that impact its wider credibility and adoption.

As World Homeopathy Day approaches, the conversation around homeopathy’s role in modern healthcare becomes increasingly relevant. Bridging the gap between public demand and research-backed validation will be critical, with stronger institutional support, transparent publication practices, and improved dissemination playing a key role in shaping a more balanced, evidence-driven discourse.

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