"Despite global debate, homeopathy finds fertile ground in Bangladesh. Offering alternative treatment options and fostering a network of practitioners, the industry caters to a growing segment seeking holistic healthcare solutions."
Based on the "like cures like" premise, homeopathy uses diluted substances with the goal of promoting the body's natural healing abilities. Some people often view homeopathy as a gentler and more natural alternative to allopathy, but many are dubious and hesitant to adopt it more broadly due to the lack of scientific evidence. Allopathy, in spite of concerns about side effects and cost, is recognized as the more reliable and standard form of treatment.
The market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 12.10% to reach USD 34.32 billion by 2032 from its estimated value of USD 11 billion in 2022, according to Precedence Research. The bulk of the market is accounted for by Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland), followed by North America (US, Canada) and Asia Pacific (India, China, Japan). It is a less regulated subindustry in Bangladesh with a variety of practitioner credentials and little remedy quality control.
Despite the high popularity of homeopathy in Bangladesh, the country still produces relatively few raw materials used in homeopathic medicines. A few local firms cultivate and prepare basic plant materials, while animals provide the majority of complex and specialized raw materials. Some homeopathic medicines, however less common, contain animal venom, including that of coral, bees, and snakes. Mineral and chemical substances: these include elements like gold, silver, and sulfur as well as various inorganic compounds like phosphorus, natrum muriaticum (sodium chloride), and calcarea carbonica (oyster shell).) These are from international sources like
Germany: A major hub for homeopathic manufacturing and raw material production.
India: A large producer and exporter of homeopathic medicines and raw materials.
Switzerland: Home to several leading manufacturers of homeopathic remedies and source materials.
The process of homeopathic medicine production is quite different from that of conventional pharmaceuticals due to its unique principles and lack of standardized ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:
1. Raw Material Selection:
Sources: Plants, minerals, and even animal substances can be used, often chosen based on traditional texts and the "like cures like" principle.
Quality Control: Varies significantly, with some manufacturers adhering to stricter organic or sustainable sourcing practices, while others have looser controls.
2. Preparation (Potentisation):
Dilution: This is the core of homeopathy. The chosen substance is repeatedly diluted in water or alcohol, often to incredibly low concentrations where no original molecules remain detectable.
Succussion: Each dilution involves forceful shaking or vigorous striking against a hard surface, supposedly imprinting the water with the "essence" of the original substance.
Potencies: Different dilution and succussion combinations result in various "potencies" (e.g., 6X, 30C), with higher potencies representing greater dilution.
3. Final Formulation:
Additives: Lactose (sugar) or alcohol might be added as carriers or preservatives, depending on the intended product format (tablets, drops, etc.).
Packaging: Homeopathic remedies are typically packaged in glass vials or bottles to supposedly protect them from potential environmental influences.
According to a June 2021 National Library of Medicine paper, serially diluted succussed solutions of an appropriate drug or dangerous chemical may display physicochemical and biological properties above Avogadro's limit. They are employed in homeopathy as remedies and have the ability to exhibit hormesis. Numerous research suggest that homeopathic dilutions may affect gene expression differently than controls. Therefore, it is anticipated that during the projection period, the benefits of homeopathic dilutions would increase the segment's utility.
Pharmacies, health food stores, online retailers, and even some conventional supermarkets provide homeopathic medicines and supplies.It is a loosely regulated subindustry in Bangladesh with erratic practitioner credentials and scant remedy quality control. Professionals who own pharmacies and clinics, usually outside the conventional healthcare system, are the ones that make the majority of the sales.
Homeopathy holds a significant presence within the Bangladeshi healthcare landscape, with numerous institutions dedicated to education, practice, and research.
Educational Institutions:
Hahnemann College of Homeopathy, Dhaka: Established in 1980, it's one of the oldest and most reputed homeopathic colleges in Bangladesh, offering degree programs in homeopathy.
National Institute of Homeopathy, Dhaka: A government-run institute offering diploma and bachelor's degrees in homeopathy.
Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka: Homeopathy department within a conventional medical college, offering a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree.
Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Homeopathy (BIRRH): Conducts research on homeopathy and offers training programs for practitioners.
Formal Hospitals and Clinics:
Government Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka: The largest government-run homeopathic hospital in Bangladesh, offering outpatient and inpatient services.
Hahnemann Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka: A private hospital specializing in homeopathic treatment and research.
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