Homeopathic Remedy Machines

In my researches, I have found a number of homeopaths who supply remedies that are not made in the normal way. Instead, "blank" remedies are inserted into a machine and the machine "programs" the blank with the bio-essence-resonance-waveform thingybob of a remedy - or something like that. These machines generally have lots of knobs, flashing lights and probably go "ping!" as well. I like a machine that goes "ping!" Really, they should also have glowing valves in them and give off huge sparks of static electricity. And have a volume knob that goes up to 11.

To be honest, as homeopathic remedies prepared in the traditional manner contain no active ingredients, the use of bizarre machines to produce remedies doesn't really bother me, per se. But is does bother some homeopaths. Whilst it is vaguely interesting that the use of remedy making machines illustrates some of the schisms in homeopathy, I'm far more interesting in a document that I stumbled across.

First, a little story. The Society of Homeopaths' push for statutory regulation of homeopathy via the Health Professions Council is not the first attempt at a unified register/regulator of homeopathy. There was something called the Council of Organisations Representing Homeopaths. The story of CORH is very sad. However, it did generate "consultation documents" and the like. Some of the papers published by CORH are absolutely fascinating. The Consultation stuff is particularly interesting. I'm most interested in this document. It contains the following text -

• question raised around use of machines to make remedies as opposed to using remedies made in pharmacies according to standard homeopathic medicines procedures. Such remedies could prove to be extremely embarrassing if investigated by trading standards officers or by the medical establishment or media seeking to further discredit homeopathy.

Really? Thanks for the tip off. I'll have a go.

Homeopaths who get called Doctor

Slightly different this time in that I am including those practitioners who do not necessarily refer to themselves as "Doctor". Some of them are referred to as "Doctor" by a third party.

Rajesh Bhide
Rajesh Bhide is a homeopath but does not seem to be a member of a trade association as far as I can tell. What is interesting that his website is curiously bereft of the "Doctor" title but he appears as "Doctor" in a number of other places.

Apparently, Mr Bhide is on the management commitee of H:MC21. Yes, Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century. A tiny, weeny little charity, with an income of about £5000 a year, that notionally exists to promote homeopathy on the NHS. Well, I think that's what it does. I suspect that its real purpose to create unopened boxes of promotional literature to sit in members's garages. H:MC21 call Mr Bhide "Doctor" in this document and this document.

The West London Homeopaths have a bio for him.

OK, it's not a lot really and none of it could be considered advertising and certainly none of it comes directly from the mouth of Mr Bhide. There is absolutely no evidence that Mr Bhide refers to himself as "Doctor" or asks anyone else to call him "Doctor".

Of course, in India, there would be no problem with him using the title.

"Dr" Balbir Nandra
Mr Nandra is a homeopath and member of the Homeopathic Medical Association. Indeed, he a member of its Council. As such, he should be intimately familiar with the HMA's Code of Ethics and Practice - which states -

6.2. No Member may use the title Doctor or Physician in their Homeopathic advertising unless registered with the General Medical Council.

6.3. If the title Dr is used in other forms of advertising, then it must be stated clearly what the qualification refers to (e.g. PhD).

Mr Nandra doesn't seem to have his own website. But on DanceUK there is a practitioner listing where he appears as "Dr Balbir Nandra", where he describes himself as a psychologist and a homeopath (so it is homeopathic advertising). He also appears on the Holistic Medical Clinic website as "Dr" and delivering homeopathy. The puff is particularly opaque -

Homeopathy is about treating the similimum, in essence, likes repel whilst opposite attract. Thus it is understood that homeopath will repel the disease that an individual suffers via selecting the similimum that matches the nucleus, this being the utmost and centrifugal role of a professionally qualified Homeopath.

Erm, so a homeopath spins you around? His listing on Yell.com shows him calling himself "Dr B Nandra" under the classification of homeopath.

Sorry, but this is a caught-with-your-pants-down type moment.

There is some more on Mr Nandra but it requires some further investigation.

"Dr" Samantha Montagu
Ms Montagu is a homeopath and massage therapist. She is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Association.

Ms Montagu does not refer to herself as "Doctor" on her biog on the Penzance Natural Health Centre website. This is the closest I have found to a website for Ms Montagu. It lists her "M.Tech Hom, HMD, FBIH, MHMA". The M.Tech(Hom) is a South African qualification and even in South Africa does not entitle the use of "Doctor". HMD is a diploma. The other two are memberships.

But lots of listing sites show the use of "Dr" including - OpenDi, 4uToday, TickityBoo, Cylex, HotFrog, UKLocalSearch, BizFo, SherriffRatings and LoadedWeb. I'm not entirely sure where the base data comes from and how shared around it is. I think that one of the primary drivers is information of business telephones lines from telecoms providers but I'm not totally convinced by this. I doubt that in these days of mobile phones that a lot of CAM practitioners would use a business tariff.

Whether or not they represent advertising is a moot point. In some of the other cases I've looked at, user entries on even free listing stuff turns them into in advertising without a doubt. The "Dr" bit has to come from somewhere, as does the homeopath bit. Feh.

More Homeopaths who call themselves Doctor

Oh dear, I've been making blogging troubles. I did promise that there would be more bogus "homeopathic" doctors, and here they are -

"Dr." Reetika Jassra
Ms Jassra is homeopath and again, does not seem to be a member of homeopathic trade association. Again, this forces reliance on primary legislation. All I need to do is wait for advice from the GMC on where to direct Medical Act 1983 complaints. Her website, on the About Me page says -

I am a Homeopathic doctor with a five and a half years long bachelors degree from a reputed college in India. Unlike most of the naturopaths, I'm a medically trained doctor. In simple terms I am a GP in homeopathy.

and

I was really impressed and thereby at the age of 10 I decided to be a homeopath and then at the age of 18 I went on to study Homeopathy at Homoeopathic college and Hospital in Chandigarh and was awarded with the qualification of Bachelors in homoeopathic medicine and surgery.

"Medically trained doctor"? No, Ms Jassra has a BHMS. "GP in homeopathy"? "Bachelor in homeopathic medicine and surgery"? Medical Act 1983...

49. Penalty for pretending to be registered
(1) Any person who wilfully and falsely pretends to be or takes or uses the name or title of physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate in medicine and surgery, bachelor of medicine, surgeon, general practitioner or apothecary, or any name, title, addition or description implying that he is registered under any provision of this Act, or that he is recognised by law as a physician or surgeon or licentiate in medicine and surgery or a practitioner in medicine or an apothecary, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Ms Jassra is not registered with the GMC. Oh dear.

"Dr" Vrinda Thacker
Ms Thacker is a homeopath practicing in Ilford. Interestingly, I can't find her on any of the trade association registers, but there is evidence to suggest that she was a member of Homeopathic Medical Association. Whether she still is, I could not say. It may be the case that she has stopped practicing and has let her membership lapse, but there are an awful lot of listing sites that list her as a homeopath. I'm prepared to believe that inclusion on one listing site may lead to inclusion on another but there are so many that I strongly suspect that Ms Thacker has actively sought listing.

I can't find a website for Ms Thacker. Perhaps she did have one and it has gone. On the other hand, a website is essentially advertising and if Ms Thacker gets enough business via word of mouth and maybe from the listings sites, she doesn't need one. They generally cost money. They can also get you into trouble.

One thing I did find was a listing on ZoomInfo, which has a reference to a cached webpage from the School of Homeopathy. She isn't currently on the School of Homeopathy faculty list but, the reference says...

Our orthodox medicine course tutors include alternative practitioners Dr Stephen Gascoigne and Dr Vrinda Thacker.

...
Vrinda Thacker
...
Dr. Vrinda Thacker, BHMS
...
Originally trained in homeopathic medicine and surgery in India, Vrinda was a practitioner in Mumbai for 4 years before moving to the UK in 1995. She has since become a regular teacher of orthodox medicine and clinical practice for several colleges as well as having a busy homeopathy practice in London.She is head of our medical sciences department and teaches on our attendance course as well as being a tutor on our Pathology & Disease home study course.

BHMS? Not a Doctor then. But what I find strange is that Ms Thacker should at one point in time had a stronger internet footprint than just listings but doesn't now. It really makes me wonder if she is still active in the UK, and if so, whether she has scaled down her work? A teacher in "orthodox medicine" with a BHMS?

No, I'm not going to ring her and find out.

Dr Preeti Chhabra Khanna
Ms Khanna is a homeopath and member of the Homeopathic Medical Association. Ms Khanna does not seem to have a website of her own, but she is shown on the PSD Ltd Network website. I'm not sure whether Ms Khanna works directly for them or in a self-employed capacity, but it does not matter either way. The entry on the PSD website says -

PSD LTD operate a Homeopathic Surgery run by qualified and experience DR Preeti Chhabra Khanna (B.H.M.S) (M.H.M.A)UK.

BHMS and not on the GMC Register? The HMA Code of Ethics and Practice says -

6.2. No Member may use the title Doctor or Physician in ther Homeopathic advertising unless registered with the General Medical Council

Fail. If Ms Khanna is employed directly by PSD, this poses the problem of fraudulent qualifications as grounds for dismissal. I've seen it happen.

More Homeopaths who call themselves Doctor.

Yes, more of them. And there will be more after this post as well.

Saran Zeb - London Homoeopathic Clinic

"Dr" Saran Zeb is a homeopath and member of the Homeopathic Medical Association. He runs the London Homoeopathic Clinic. On his Contact page he helpfully lists his qualifications and what they mean -

DHMS: Diploma of Homoeopathic Medical Science (4-years full time course qualified as a Homoeopathic Doctor, passed in 1986).

RHMP: Registered Homoeopathic Medical Practitioner.
HMD: Diploma in Homoeopathic Medicine (postgraduate course, passed in1995).
LFHom (RNA): Licensed Associates Member of the Faculty of Homeopathy, passed in 2005 (registered nurse adult branch).
MHMA (UK): Member of UK Homeopathic Medical Association.

Referring to the HMA's Code of Ethics and Practice -

6.2. No Member may use the title Doctor or Physician in ther Homeopathic advertising unless registered with the General Medical Council

He is not registered with the GMC. However, he is registered with Nursing and Midwifery Council. I'm unsure what their position is on the misrepresenation of qualification. Also, he is an Associate member of the Faculty of Homeopathy - again, it would be interesting to know what their position is.

The "Doctor" title appears on Yell.com advertising. This is paid for advertising, and as such, subject to the CAP Code and falls under the remit of the ASA.

Additionally, I've got some problems with his Testimonials page. Apparently, patients are demanding homeopathy on the NHS. The HMA make no mention of testimonials in their Code of Ethics and Practise but some of the other trade associations do. Quite simply, it's not relevant.

Sadhana M Nadar
Ms Nadar is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Association. I'm not entirely sure where she practices. Is it Ipswich or is it Reading? For example, she is in Ipswich on the HMA register. I can also find her on TouchLocal. She did have a website http://www.homeopathyguru.co.uk/ but it's dead now. I can find her at Reading Homeopathy Clinic but the website shows a 2005 date. She is also on MaxLocal. Not that it matters.

The "Doctor" title turns up in a lot of places. To quote from the Reading Homeopathy Clinic website -

Qualifications:  BHMS, MHMA

Biography:
I am a qualified and experienced Homeopath from Mumbai India and have been practicing classical Homeopathy since 2000. I am a registered member of the Homeopathic Medical Association. I have treated more than 500 patients from many countries with successful results.

I had the honor to study at Lokmanya Medical foundations, which is one of the best Homeopathic colleges in India. I continued my study thereafter in Mumbadevi hospital, Mumbai, where I came into contact with well known Homeopaths such as Dr. Shankaran, Dr. Vijaykar and Dr. Parinaz.

After studying medicine for 5 ½ years I graduated in 2000. I studied homeopathy extensively and have ample knowledge of Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, skin, ENT etc. I started studying Homeopathy because at that time it was beginning to be accepted by people as one of the methods of treatment for all kinds of problems. I find it an excellent treatment option.

Ms Nadar is not registered with the GMC.

Priyanka Yaduvanshi - Glow With Health
Ms Yaduvanshi is a homeopath but doesn't appear to be registered with any of the trade associations as far as I can see. Not that it matters - the various Codes of the trade association are in part a reaction to specific pieces of legislation. Also, it is worth pointing out that it is possible to have public liability insurance without being a member of a trade body and also, if directly employed by someone else, their insurance may cover them. It just means that there isn't some organisation that I can complain to and bitch about their lack of response.

Ms Yaduvanshi seems to operate out of The Cenacle Treatment Centre. I can't find an address for her separately. Her entry on the Cenacle Treatment Centre website links to her own website Glow With Health. The entry on the Cenacle Treatment Centre uses the "Doctor" title and her own website lists her qualifications as MD, BHMS, FBIH. Er. Medical Act 1983.

49. Penalty for pretending to be registered

(1) Any person who wilfully and falsely pretends to be or takes or uses the name or title of physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate in medicine and surgery, bachelor of medicine, surgeon, general practitioner or apothecary, or any name, title, addition or description implying that he is registered under any provision of this Act, or that he is recognised by law as a physician or surgeon or licentiate in medicine and surgery or a practitioner in medicine or an apothecary, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

The use of the "Doctor" title and the MD certainly is not helpful. BHMS is one of Indian homeopathic qualifications, but FBIH is Fellow of the British Institute of Homeopathy. It means that you've passed one of their exams.

Although I have not looked in detail at the other practitioners on the Cenacle website, they may belong to trade associations whose Code of Ethics and Practice may have problems if they work with someone who does not belong to a trade association.

But Ms Yaduvanshi's website is totally mad. For example, the strapline is -

You can trust me to cure your problem using the magical science of Homoeopathy

OK, that looks like an illegal claim for a start off. On the page List of Ailments, we get the following text -

Almost all illnesses can be treated with homeopathic medicines. The earlier you start the treatment, the faster and better the results. Even in advanced cases, homeopathy can offer palliative treatment. Below is a list of ailments for which homeopathic treatment is typically sought. The list is not exhaustive.

And in the list of ailments we get -

General
Cancer, Anaemia, Backache, Diabetes, Gaut, Rheumatism, Infections, Obesity, , Osteoarthritis, Multiple Myeloma, Multiple Schlerosis, Multiple System Atrophy, Mysthenia Gravis, Fibromyalgia, Frozen shoulder, Hormonal disorder, Hair loss, Hypo & Hyper thyroidism,Tumors etc.

Cancer and Tumors? Myeloma? Oh, triple bad on the Cancer Act 1939.

There is more on the website that is totally bizarre. I like the Facts and Myths page.

"Dr" Banerjea, the wife and the Allen College of Homeopathy

"Dr" Subrata Banerjea is a homeopath and member of the Society of Homeopaths. In addition to have his own homeopathic practices, he is principal of the Allen College of Homeopathy. He also seems to have some homeopathic clinic in India and does all sorts of charity work out there. Oh, and is a renown author and lecturer.

It is worth pointing out that although the Allen College of Homeopathy website does contain content that is obviously associated with the courses run there, there is no real demarcation between the College and Mr Banerjea's other homeopathic activities. There is no demarcation between content aimed at homeopaths, aspirant homeopaths and the general public. This is problematic.

Mr Banerjea is not a Doctor. As far as I can work out he has a BHMS. Unless Mr Banerjea has had a sex change and employed a time machine and is not confessing to a course of study in "proper" medicine, he is not registered with the GMC. Oh, the GMC register could be wrong but the GMC think not. As Mr Banerjea is a member of the Society of Homeopaths, their Code of Ethics and Practice says -

61 To avoid the use of the title ‘Doctor’ in order not to create a false impression (by referring to oneself or having others address one as such) of being a registered medical practitioner, when this is not the case.

Mr Banerjea refers to himself as "Doctor" and certainly seems to have others refer to him as "Doctor" and his students do so. There is concrete evidence of this. And I make no reference to non-UK usage of  "Doctor".
Mr Banerjea has written a book Brain Tumour Cured by Homeopathy. It's published in India. There are also various galleries which include A case of Brain Tumour in a 23 years young married woman, completely cured by Gelsemium and A case Bronchogenic Carcinoma in a 30 years old man improved by Thuja. There is more, but the Allen College of Homeopathy website is the work of a disorganised mind. I know that the College offering courses that include teaching on Cancer, but, for example, what does "HOMOEO-THERAPEUTICS OF THE NEOPLASTIC REMEDIES (BENIGN AND MALIGNANT) REMEDIES OF TUMORUS & CANCERS " actually mean? Does that mean that Mr Banerjea enlightens his students with his experience of curing cancer? Does he encourage them to carry out acts that are illegal in the UK? Because Mr Banerjea is not a Doctor, all this talk of cancer is in violation of the Cancer Act 1939.

Reading the cases in Mr Banerjea's Cured Case Gallery is a grim experience. The SoH's Code of Ethics and Practice states -

The patient signs to agree a clearly defined use of material, and to acknowledge their anonymity being preserved at all times. Identifying factors (names, locations, employments) shall not be revealed in a recording, nor in the labelling of cassettes, nor in any other oral or printed form.

Sorry, but Mr Banerjea has done just that in a number of cases. I do not believe that the fact that the patients are in India and the cases are often rather old makes any difference. Nor would written consent make any difference. This is gross violation of professional ethics.

The Code of Ethics and Practice also says -

72 To avoid making claims (whether explicit or implied; orally or in writing) implying cure of any named disease.

Mr Banerjea does this a number of times. Oh, "completely cured" even.

I've not seen any of Mr Banerjea's little booklets but some of the the cases in his "gallery" do give reason to question Mr Banerjea's assertions of cure. There is some evidence that suggests that at least some of this patients where under the care of "allopathic" doctors whilst he was treating them. For example, some of the tests carried out are addressed to Doctors other than Mr Banerjea.

Mrs Robinson-Banerjea is described as a "homoeopathic physician". I'm sorry, but the SoH have made a mistake in omitting physician as a forbbiden term. I go back to the Medical Act 1983 -

49. Penalty for pretending to be registered
(1) Any person who wilfully and falsely pretends to be or takes or uses the name or title of physician, doctor of medicine, licentiate in medicine and surgery, bachelor of medicine, surgeon, general practitioner or apothecary, or any name, title, addition or description implying that he is registered under any provision of this Act, or that he is recognised by law as a physician or surgeon or licentiate in medicine and surgery or a practitioner in medicine or an apothecary, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Mrs Robinson-Banerjea is not registered with the GMC.

What is particularly galling about all of this is that the Allen College of Homeopathy is notionally training the homeopaths of tomorrow. If the principal of the College sees fit to flout the SoH's Code of Ethics and Practice what message does this send to the students? If Mr Banerjea and Mrs Robinson-Banerjea think it is OK to break various laws, again, what message does this send?

"Dr" Supriya Teckchandani and Cancer

"Dr" Supriya Teckchandani is a homeopath and member of the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths.

The "Doctor" Stuff
Ms Teckchandani website Homeopathy for Soul, on the About Me page contains the following text.

Dr.Supriya Teckchandani

BHMS(Hons), MARH.
Qualified and Registered Member of the Alliance of Registered Homeopath.

I completed my Bachelors Degree in Homeopathy in 2007 and have been practicing since last 3 years. I have studied homeopathy for 5½ years as a degree course from India's finest Institution.

Here in UK I am a fully licensed member of Alliance of registered Homeopaths.

I am fully licenced and fully insured by ARH to practise homeopathy in this country safely.

The degree has given me a thorough knowledge of the following subjects in my study, which i have been utilising in my practsie:

Homeopathy materia medica, Homeopathic Philosophy, Anatomy and Physiology, Gynecology and obstetrics, Pediatrics, Medicine, Forensic medicine, Surgery

 I'm not sure how a "thorough knowledge" of, say, surgery could be utilitised in homeopathy practice.

Ms Teckchandani is not registered with the GMC, nor is she eligible to reguster with her BHMS. She is in breach of the Medical Act 1983. As a result she is in breach of the ARH's Code of Ethics and Practice, specifically -

Legal obligations

Criminal and civil law
30 Registrants are required to comply with the criminal and relevant civil law of the country, state or territory where they are practising.
31 Registrants must observe and keep up to date with all legislation and regulations relating directly or indirectly to the practice of homeopathy.

and

Advertising and Media

36 All advertising must be published in a way that conforms to the law and to the guidance issued in the British Code of Advertising Practice.
37 Professional advertising must be factual and not seek to mislead or deceive, or make unrealistic or extravagant claims. Advertising may indicate special interests but must not make claims of superiority or disparage professional colleagues or other professionals.

and

Potential misrepresentation

40 The use of the title ‘Doctor’ should be avoided, when the use of that title may create a false impression that the individual concerned is a registered medical practitioner.

Ouch.
Cancer Act 1939
On the faq page there is the question "In what conditons homeopathy acts best in?" and then a list of diseases/conditions, including Cancer. The question is very ambiguous - does this mean that the list of conditions out of all conditions that respond better to homeopathy? Or is this the list of conditions that homeopathy performs better in that any other healing modality?

Either way, this statement is in breach of the Cancer Act 1939. As a result, Ms Teckchandani is in breach of the ARH's Code of Ethics and practice.

Finally

Ms Teckchandani sez "Best Homeopathic Treatment in London". Oh dear.

"Dr" Citina Vaingonkar

"Dr" Citina Vaingonkar is a homeopath and member of the Society of Homeopaths. I am going to guess that Citina is a female name. Ms Vaingonkar is also rather foolish and either has not read the SoH's Code of Ethics and Practice or arrogantly assumes that it does not apply to her.

Ms Vaingonkar's website can be found here. "Dr-homeopathy.co.uk"? Ouch for starters. The website contains some very interesting information. On the page Ailments -

There is no limitation for homeopathy. It can cure most of the diseases. Examples of some of the diseases are:

• Asthmas, common cold, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Epitaxis.
• Arthritis, osteo-rheumatiod arthritis, Gout, Sciatica.
• Mania, Depression, Anxiety state, Grief, Phobia, Lack of concentration, dementia, insomnia.
• Liver disorders, Gall stones, Dsypepsia
• Migraine, Seizures.
• Renal stones, Diabetes, Renal colic.
• Menstrual disorder.
• Alopecia, acne, eczema etc.

 Oh dear. This could be the result of poor English skills - confusing "cure" with "help". But why on earth the "no limitation" statement. UK homeopathy, as practiced by non-medically qualified homeopaths, has limitations in law, in the Codes of the trade associations and in the case of the SoH by public statements.

 

This bizarre statement is compounded by the below on the faq page -

Do homeopathic medicines work?

- Yes, it always works if the practitioner strictly follows the homeopathic principles, as its principles are very different from other medical sciences.

and

How long will it take for me to be cured?

- Cure depends on various factors, like intensity and pathology of diseases, duration of diseases, and general state of health. There are no rules for cure as it will treat the person as a whole not only the disease.

and, most bonkers of all -

Can homeopathic medicine be taken during pregnancy?

- Yes, pregnancy is the best period to take medicine as its benefits will be passed to the baby and they will become immune to childhood diseases.

My head is spinning. But wait, dere are moar! On the page Profile

In spite of having experience of 3 years, I have handled numerous cases and have fabulous results in cases like Bronchitis, rhinitis, skin disorders, migraine, alopecia, arthritis, menstrual disorders etc.

Dere are still moar! On FreeIndex, Ms Vaingonkar's entry includes the texts -

Dr. Vaingonkar has cured numerous illnesses, varying from hair loss, hay fever, sinusitis, ace, menstrual disorder to joint complaints.

and

Homeopathy can cure most of the diseases. Some of these are:

- Asthma, Hay fever, Bronchitis, Sinusitis
- Arthritis, Osteo-Rheumatiod arthritis, Gout, - Liver disorders, Gall stones, Dsypepsia
- Migraine, Seizures, insomnia.
- Renal stones, Diabetes, Menstrual disorder
- Alopecia, acne, eczema, Vitiligo etc.

A very similar entry can be found on CityLocal and SherriffRatings. The SoH's Code of Ethics and Practice says -

• No advertising may be used which expressly or implicitly claims to cure named diseases
• Advertising shall not be false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, extravagant or sensational.

and

72 To avoid making claims (whether explicit or implied; orally or in writing) implying cure of any named disease.

Well, Ms Vaingonkar makes explicit claims to cure disease. These claims are extravagant are to say the least.

Because the unsubstantiated claims are so strong, and so misleading I am refering this to Trading Standards.. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 covers this.

Ms Vaingonkar uses the title "Doctor", not just on her website and the fuller entries on the listing sites mentioned above, but also on listing sites that provide nothing more than a simple, name, address, telephone number service. On her Profile page she says -

I am a graduate from the University of Goa- India. I hold a BHMS Degree (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery), obtained from Shree Kamaxidevi Medical College and Hospital- Goa. I am being trained by the Doctors who practise classical homeopathy. The duration of my course is of 5 and ½ years which included medical as well as homeopathic subjects. Hence I hold a degree of Doctor as well. I am a Distinction holder in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. I have worked in Allopathic as well as Homeopathic hospitals.

The SoH's Code of Ethics and Practice says (in regard to advertising)

Qualifications originating from bona fide academic organisations, also statutory designations or qualifications, awarded by established and generally recognised professional organisations, may be shown.

and more specifically -

61 To avoid the use of the title ‘Doctor’ in order not to create a false impression (by referring to oneself or having others address one as such) of being a registered medical practitioner, when this is not the case.

Ms Vaingonkar is not on GMC register - not is she eligible. A BHMS is not recognised in the UK. The Shree Kamaxidevi Medical College does not appear on the AVICENNA database. Ms Vaingonkar also uses the PGHom title in one of her listings ads. Can you get one of those from a bona fide academic organisation. In the context of making a complaint to Trading Standards, mention of the Medical Act 1983 may be useful.

Oh dear.