Fourth B.H.M.S., Winter 2023 [HOMEOPATHIC MATERIA MEDICA 1] SOLVED PAPER

2. Short Answer Questions 

a) Mental Symptoms ofArgentum Nitricum.

b) Guiding indications of Pulsatilla.

c) Biochemic indications of Calcarea Phos.

d) Physical generals of Ipecac.

e) Ailment from and modalities of Nux Vomica

f) Indications of Baptisia in fever.

3. Short Answer Questions 

a) Physical generals OfAlumina.

b) Mental symptoms of Hyoscyamus Niger.

c) Indications of Equisetum Hyemale in urinary complaints.

d) Indications of Agnus castus in male complaints.

e) Ailments and modalities of Phosphoric acid.

f) Guiding symptoms of Kali carb.

 

4. Long Answer Questions 

a) Compare Baryta carb & Calcarea carb in baby.

b) Compare Camphora & Veratrum album in collapse.

c) Compare Bryonia & Rhus tox in Rheumatism.

d) Compare Colocynth and Magnesium phos in colic.

Long Answer Questions 

5. Discuss the types of homeopathic materia medica with examples and explain the philosophy and construction of homeopathic materia medica.

6. Describe the drug picture of lycopodium in detail.

7. Discuss general characteristics of Spider group and describe the guiding symptoms of Tarentula.

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Question 2: Short Answer Questions

(Write brief, precise answers; approx. 2.5 marks each)

a) Mental Symptoms of Argentum Nitricum

• Impulsive and hurried: Always in a rush, wants to do everything quickly.

• Anxious anticipation: Anxiety before exams, events, or deadlines.

• Irrational fears: Fear of high places, fear of failing, claustrophobia.

• Lack of confidence: Despite preparation, lacks faith in self.

• Emotional instability: Alternates between hope and despair.

b) Guiding Indications of Pulsatilla

• Mild, gentle, tearful disposition.

• Craves sympathy and weeps easily.

• Changeable symptoms and complaints.

• Aggravation from rich/fatty food.

• Ameliorated in open air; dislikes warmth.

c) Biochemic Indications of Calcarea Phos

• Used in delayed dentition and bone healing.

• Helpful in growing pains in children.

• Anaemia with general weakness.

• Craving for salty/smoked meats.

• Poor assimilation of nutrients.

d) Physical Generals of Ipecacuanha

• Constant nausea, not relieved by vomiting.

• Clean tongue despite gastric issues.

• Excessive salivation and vomiting of mucus.

• Haemorrhages with bright red blood.

• Respiratory symptoms with rattling cough.

e) Ailment from and Modalities of Nux Vomica

• Ailments from: overwork, sedentary lifestyle, coffee, stimulants, alcohol, anger.

• Worse: in the morning, after eating, cold, noise, mental exertion.

• Better: rest, warmth, and in the evening.

f) Indications of Baptisia in Fever

• Delirium and confusion; feels body is scattered.

• Rapid onset of septic or typhoid-like fever.

• Offensive discharges: breath, sweat, stool.

• Tongue dry, brown in the center.

• Dullness and prostration early in illness.

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Question 3: Short Answer Questions

a) Physical Generals of Alumina

• Constipation with no urge for days; stool requires great straining.

• Dryness of mucous membranes.

• Profound fatigue and sluggishness.

• Aversion to potatoes, craving for indigestible things (chalk, etc.).

• Sensitiveness to cold.

b) Mental Symptoms of Hyoscyamus Niger

• Loquacity and foolish behavior.

• Jealousy with suspicion and rage.

• Erotic mania, exposes the body.

• Delirium with tendency to talk nonsense.

• Fear of being poisoned.

c) Indications of Equisetum Hyemale in Urinary Complaints

• Constant desire to urinate, large quantities passed.

• Pain not relieved by urination.

• Enuresis in children.

• Burning or dull pain in bladder region.

• Useful in atony of bladder.

d) Indications of Agnus Castus in Male Complaints

• Sexual weakness with coldness of genitals.

• Impotence with lack of desire.

• History of sexual excess or abuse.

• Gloomy, anxious, hypochondriac state.

• Yellow discharge from urethra.

e) Ailments and Modalities of Phosphoric Acid

• Ailments from grief, loss of vital fluids, overexertion.

• Worse: mental exertion, cold, during menses.

• Better: warmth, rest, and short naps.

• Indifferent, weak, apathetic state.

• Debility with dull headache and backache.

f) Guiding Symptoms of Kali Carb

• Stitching pains anywhere in the body.

• Backache relieved by firm pressure or lying on something hard.

• Sensitive to drafts of air, especially cold.

• Respiration difficulties at 3–4 a.m.

• Swelling above eyelids (bag-like puffiness).

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Question 4(a): Compare Baryta carbonica and Calcarea carbonica in babies

(10 Marks – Comparative format as per MUHS pattern)

Point of Comparison	Baryta carbonica	Calcarea carbonica
Constitution	Scrofulous, dwarfish, mentally and physically underdeveloped children.	Fair, fat, flabby children with open fontanelles and large heads.
Developmental Delay	Late in learning to walk, talk, and think. Mental retardation marked.	Slow in dentition, walking, and talking but not necessarily mentally weak.
Appetite and Digestion	Poor appetite; child refuses milk. Tendency to swollen glands and recurrent tonsillitis.	Ravenous appetite; desires eggs, indigestible things. Indigestion and sour vomiting common.
Mental Traits	Shy, timid, afraid of strangers, easily influenced. Memory poor.	Intelligent but anxious and fearful. Fear of darkness, future, and being alone.
Growth	Stunted physical and mental growth; dwarfish.	Overgrown abdomen, with slow bony development; obesity in early years.
Glandular Affection	Enlarged cervical and submaxillary glands. Tendency to suppurate.	Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, and mesenteric glands. Tendency to catch cold easily.
Thermal Reaction	Chilly; worse from cold and damp.	Chilly; very sensitive to cold and damp weather. Sweats profusely, especially on the head.
Sleep	Sleeps with mouth open. Dreams frighten the child.	Sleep disturbed due to perspiration and heat of head. Cries out in sleep.
Head Symptoms	Large head, slow fontanelle closure, but with mental dullness.	Large head, open fontanelles with mental alertness. Profuse head sweating.
Keynote Symptom	Backward children mentally and physically. Fear of people and loss of confidence.	Fat, flabby child, slow in development with profuse sweating of head.

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Question 4(b): Compare Camphora and Veratrum Album in Collapse

(10 Marks – Comparative format as per MUHS pattern)

Point of Comparison	Camphora	Veratrum Album
State of Collapse	Collapse with icy coldness and complete prostration. Body is cold but no perspiration.	Collapse with profuse cold sweat, especially on the forehead. Intense prostration.
Skin and Temperature	Icy cold, bluish skin; surface cold to touch. Patient desires to be covered.	Cold and clammy skin with copious sweat; face pale and pinched.
Circulation	Pulse small, weak, or almost imperceptible. Fainting tendency marked.	Pulse rapid, weak, and thready. May become imperceptible during collapse.
Mental State	Sudden collapse with confusion, anxiety, and fear of death. Semi-conscious or stuporous.	Restlessness, anxiety, and moaning. Loquacity or delirium may occur.
Digestive Symptoms	Vomiting, sudden chill, and collapse without much prior diarrhoea.	Profuse vomiting and rice-water stools with collapse. Great thirst for cold water.
Modalities	Worse from cold air, uncovering. Better from warmth.	Worse at night, from least motion. Better lying down, keeping warm.
Sweat	Absent or very scanty. Despite icy coldness, no sweat.	Profuse, cold, and clammy sweat accompanies the collapse.
Keynote Symptoms	Coldness without sweat; collapse from exposure to cold or fright.	Collapse with diarrhoea and vomiting; profuse cold sweat on forehead.
Clinical Conditions	Choleraic state, sunstroke, or sudden shock. First remedy in sudden collapse.	Cholera, gastroenteritis with collapse, post-infectious weakness.
Thermal Reaction	Patient is icy cold and wants to be covered.	Patient is cold but wants cold drinks; may not care about being covered.

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Question 4(c): Compare Bryonia and Rhus toxicodendron in Rheumatism

(10 Marks – Comparative format as per MUHS pattern)

Point of Comparison	Bryonia alba	Rhus toxicodendron
Type of Pain	Stitching, tearing pain; worse by slightest movement.	Tearing, bruised, or sprained pain; worse at rest, better by motion.
Modality (Motion)	Worse from motion; patient wants to lie still.	Better from motion; rest aggravates pain.
Onset	Slow onset after exposure to dry cold weather or getting chilled when overheated.	Complaints after exposure to cold damp weather or getting wet in rain.
Joint Affection	Joints are hot, swollen, red, and painful. Pain worse on slightest movement.	Joints stiff, swollen, with pain worse after rest and in first motion.
Rest vs. Motion	Complete rest relieves; patient avoids moving.	Pain compels patient to move; better after continued motion.
Aggravation	From slightest movement, touch, heat, in morning, after eating.	From rest, damp cold, at night, first motion.
Amelioration	From absolute rest, pressure, cold applications.	From warm applications, continued motion, stretching.
Constitution	Dry, irritable, business-minded individuals.	Restless, anxious, and chilly constitution.
Accompanying Symptoms	Thirst for large quantities of water at long intervals. Dryness of mucous membranes.	Great restlessness; profuse sweating; dry tongue with triangular red tip.
Use in Rheumatism	Dry rheumatism with hot, painful joints, < motion.	Rheumatism with stiffness and restlessness, > motion.

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Question 4(d): Compare Colocynth and Magnesium phosphoricum in Colic

(10 Marks – Comparative format as per MUHS pattern)

Point of Comparison	Colocynthis	Magnesium phosphoricum
Nature of Pain	Violent, cutting, cramping, twisting pain in abdomen. Pain may extend to thighs.	Neuralgic, spasmodic pain – darting or shooting in nature.
Cause (Ailments from)	Ailments from anger, indignation, mortification, or emotional disturbances.	Ailments from exposure to cold, cold drinks, or mental exertion.
Modalities – Better From	Bending double, hard pressure, warmth. Lying on abdomen relieves pain.	Warmth, pressure, hot drinks. "Hot application = Mag phos."
Modalities – Worse From	Anger, excitement, eating or drinking (esp. fruits), motion, touch.	Cold air, cold drinks, uncovering, slight touch.
Mental State	Irritable, impatient, easily angered. Desire to be alone.	Sensitive, mild, gentle, often nervous or emotional.
Stool	Diarrhoea with colicky pain; stools may be green, watery, frothy.	May have constipation; no specific diarrhoeic features.
Keynote Symptoms	Cramping, cutting pain better by bending double and pressure. Often follows suppressed emotions.	Pain that comes and goes suddenly, better with warmth and pressure.
Physical Build	Dark-haired, strongly built individuals.	Thin, delicate, sensitive constitutions; suited to children and women.
Use in Colic	Ideal for colic from anger or emotional upset.	Excellent remedy for nerve-based or spasmodic colic, esp. in sensitive patients.
Acute Indications	Acute abdominal pain, gallstone or renal colic, dysmenorrhea.	Menstrual colic, neuralgic pains, infantile colic.

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Question 5:

Discuss the types of homeopathic materia medica with examples and explain the philosophy and construction of homeopathic materia medica.

(20 Marks)

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I. Introduction

Homeopathic Materia Medica is a systematically arranged record of therapeutic properties and clinical indications of remedies used in homeopathy. It forms the core of therapeutic application and is compiled based on drug proving, clinical verification, and toxicological data. The philosophy of materia medica is grounded in the law of similars and totality of symptoms.

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II. Types of Homeopathic Materia Medica

Materia Medica can be broadly categorized into the following types:

Type	Description	Example
1. Narrative / Descriptive Materia Medica	Detailed description of each remedy including mental, physical, and characteristic symptoms.	Clarke’s Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica
2. Schema / Schematic Materia Medica	Symptoms arranged head-to-foot based on anatomical order.	Hahnemann’s Materia Medica Pura, Allen’s Encyclopaedia
3. Comparative Materia Medica	Compares similar remedies to highlight differentiating points. Useful in differential diagnosis.	Dr. Farrington’s Comparative Materia Medica
4. Regional Materia Medica	Remedies arranged by organ system or specific region.	Hale’s New Remedies
5. Therapeutic Materia Medica	Medicines grouped according to diseases or clinical conditions.	Boericke’s Materia Medica with Repertory
6. Repertory-based Materia Medica	Clinical Materia Medica developed from repertory data or clinical experience.	Kent’s Lectures on Materia Medica
7. Alphabetical Materia Medica	Remedies arranged in alphabetical order for quick reference.	Boericke, Cowan

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III. Philosophy of Homeopathic Materia Medica

• Individualization: Remedies are not prescribed based on disease names, but on totality of symptoms, including mental, emotional, and physical traits.

• Holism: Considers the patient as a whole (mind-body-spirit).

• Law of Similars: The foundation—"Similia Similibus Curentur."

• Drug Proving: Only proven medicines (on healthy human beings) are included.

• Totality of Symptoms: The entire symptom picture guides remedy selection.

• Characteristic Symptoms: Unique, peculiar, and guiding symptoms are prioritized.

• Miasmatic Understanding: Chronic symptoms are interpreted with respect to Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis.

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IV. Construction of Materia Medica

Most Materia Medica follow a consistent pattern:

Section	Includes
Name of the Drug	Latin/official name and common name.
Source	Plant, mineral, animal, nosode, etc.
Constitution	Physical appearance, temperament, general nature.
Mind	Mental and emotional symptoms.
Generalities	Thermal reaction, desires, aversions, aggravations, ameliorations.
Particulars	Head-to-toe symptoms.
Modalities	Factors influencing symptoms (worse/better).
Relationship	Complementary, antidote, inimical remedies.

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V. Examples

1. Lycopodium – Described in detail in narrative style in Clarke and Kent.

2. Bryonia vs Rhus tox – Compared in Farrington for musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Belladonna – Appears in regional and schematic Materia Medica under nervous and febrile disorders.

4. Sulphur – Well presented in Kent’s lectures with deep miasmatic understanding.

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Question 6:

Describe the drug picture of Lycopodium in detail.

(20 Marks – Detailed format as per MUHS Materia Medica guidelines)

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1. Introduction

• Scientific Name: Lycopodium clavatum

• Common Name: Club Moss

• Source: Vegetable kingdom

• Family: Lycopodiaceae

• Prepared From: Spores of the plant

• Miasmatic Background: Primarily Psoric with Sycotic and Syphilitic elements

• Temperament: Nervous, intellectual, melancholic

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2. Constitution and Appearance

• Thin upper body, with emaciation, especially of neck and thighs, and swollen lower abdomen.

• Face appears wrinkled, pale, or sallow.

• Suitable for weakly, prematurely aged individuals, especially children with poor digestion and underdeveloped organs.

• Great for older people and children who are mentally keen but physically weak.

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3. Mind Symptoms

• Great intellectual activity with lack of confidence in doing new things.

• Fear of failure, fear of public speaking, stage fright.

• Irritability, bossy and dictatorial in family, yet timid outside.

• Aversion to company, yet dreads being alone.

• Suspicious, jealous, and apprehensive.

• Very conscientious and sensitive to criticism.

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4. Physical Generals

• Craving for sweets, warm drinks, oysters.

• Aversion to cold drinks, bread, and farinaceous food (which causes bloating).

• Thirst for little and often.

• Chilly patient, worse from cold, yet craves warm drinks.

• Sweat offensive, especially feet and axillae.

• Sleeps on right side, wakes unrefreshed, talks or moans in sleep.

• Right-sided remedy, complaints often begin on the right and go to the left.

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5. Particular Symptoms (Head to Foot)

• Head: Vertigo, worse on rising or turning; premature greying of hair; hair loss.

• Eyes: Dryness, inflammation, floaters; chronic eye strain.

• Ears: Cracking noises; humming or roaring sounds.

• Nose: Dryness of nasal passages; nosebleeds in children.

• Mouth: Cracks in the corners of the mouth; sour taste; aphthae; offensive breath.

• Throat: Tonsillitis starting on the right side; yellow patches; worse from cold drinks.

• Abdomen: Marked flatulence, bloating, and loud rumbling. Better by passing gas.

• Liver: Hepatic congestion, gallstones; pain and fullness in right hypochondrium.

• Stool: Hard, difficult, small in size; constipation with ineffectual urging.

• Urinary: Frequent urging; red sand or brick-dust sediment in urine.

• Male: Impotence with desire; premature ejaculation; prostatic complaints.

• Female: Menses scanty and late; prolapse with bearing-down pain.

• Extremities: One foot cold, the other warm; trembling; numbness in limbs.

• Skin: Dry, scaly eruptions; slow healing of wounds; unhealthy skin.

• Modalities:

  • Worse: 4–8 p.m., cold drinks, tight clothing, lying on left side, mental exertion.

  • Better: Warm food and drinks, after discharges (stool, urine, gas), motion.

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6. Sphere of Action

Acts mainly on:

• Gastrointestinal tract (liver, stomach, intestine)

• Nervous system

• Genitourinary system

• Skin and mucous membranes

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7. Relationship with Other Remedies

• Complementary: Carbo veg, Chelidonium

• Antidotes: Camphora, Pulsatilla

• Followed well by: Sulphur, Calcarea carb

• Inimical: Coffea

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8. Clinical Conditions Where Lycopodium is Useful

• Dyspepsia with flatulence

• Chronic liver disease

• Constipation with ineffectual urging

• Kidney stones with red sand in urine

• Stage fright, fear of public performance

• Eczema and dry skin conditions

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia

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9. Keynote Symptoms

• Bloating and flatulence with craving for sweets

• Red sand in urine

• Great apprehension but mentally alert

• Worse from 4–8 p.m.

• Right-sided complaints

• One foot cold, the other hot

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Question 7:

Discuss general characteristics of the Spider group and describe the guiding symptoms of Tarentula hispanica.

(20 Marks – Group study + drug picture format as per MUHS)

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I. Introduction to the Spider Group

The Spider group in homeopathy is derived from various species of spiders, known for their nervous energy, hypersensitivity, and violent, spasmodic symptoms. These remedies exhibit unique mental and physical traits and act predominantly on the nervous, circulatory, and muscular systems.

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II. General Characteristics of Spider Group Remedies

Characteristic	Description
Restlessness and Hyperactivity	Continuous motion, jerky behavior, fidgety nature. Patients are often hurried or anxious.
Spasmodic & Convulsive Symptoms	Twitching, jerking, chorea, and even epilepsy-like presentations.
Extreme Sensitivity	Hypersensitive to noise, touch, music, and vibrations.
Violent and Destructive Mental Symptoms	Mania, rage, hysteria, and impulsiveness seen in several spider remedies.
Modalities	Worse from touch, noise, pressure, and excitement. Better from motion or rhythmic activities (e.g., dancing).
Affected Systems	Nervous system, female reproductive system, circulation, and skin.
Key Remedies in Spider Group	Tarentula hispanica, Latrodectus mactans, Mygale lasiodora, Aranea diadema, Theridion curassavicum.

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III. Drug Picture of Tarentula hispanica

• Common Name: Spanish Tarantula

• Source: Venom of the spider Lycosa tarantula

• Kingdom: Animal

• Miasm: Syphilitic predominance

• Temperament: Excitable, destructive, violent

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1. Constitution and Appearance

• Thin, wiry, nervous patients.

• Suited for hysterical women or children with nervous exhaustion, jerking, twitching, and manic tendencies.

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2. Mind Symptoms

• Extreme restlessness and impatience.

• Manic behavior with destructive tendencies—tears clothes, breaks objects.

• Hysteria and emotional excitability.

• Compulsive dancing or motion—feels better by fast rhythmic movement.

• Increased sexual excitement.

• Jealousy, impulsiveness, suspiciousness.

• Highly sensitive to music, which may cause weeping or convulsions.

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3. Physical Generals

• Chorea, twitching of muscles, jerky movements.

• Marked intolerance to tight clothing.

• Sudden onset of violent neuralgias, especially on the right side.

• Great prostration alternating with excitement.

• Pain is ameliorated by violent motion, rubbing, and dancing.

• Oversensitive to touch, light, noise, and music.

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4. Female Symptoms

• Increased sexual desire and hypersensitivity of genitals.

• Painful menses with hysteria and restlessness.

• Ovarian neuralgia—especially right-sided.

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5. Modalities

• Worse from: Music, touch, pressure, emotions, rest, bright light.

• Better from: Violent motion, dancing, rubbing, pressure, darkness.

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6. Sphere of Action

• Central nervous system

• Female reproductive system

• Muscles and voluntary motor function

• Circulatory system

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7. Keynote Symptoms

• Desire for dancing; amelioration from music and motion.

• Extreme restlessness and hyperactivity.

• Sudden, violent neuralgia and spasms.

• Manic behavior with destructive impulses.

• Oversensitive to music, noise, and vibration.

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8. Clinical Conditions Indicated

• Hysteria

• Chorea

• Neuralgia

• Hyperkinesia

• Epilepsy

• Ovarian pain

• Behavioral disorders in children

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9. Relationship

• Complementary to: Belladonna, Ignatia

• Inimical to: Pulsatilla

• Followed well by: Stramonium, Hyoscyamus

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"Complete solved paper for Fourth Year BHMS Summer 2015 – Materia Medica Paper I under MUHS. Includes short and long answers with detailed comparisons, drug pictures, and philosophy of homeopathic materia medica. Ideal for BHMS final-year students."

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