Caught: Doctors lend name, Prescription pad to quacks for Monthly rent

"We caught him red-handed prescribing medicines on Dr Kannan's prescription pad. But several people from the neighbourhood surrounded us and prevented us from arresting him and seizing drugs from him. During inquiry, Joy said he paid the doctor Rs 25,000 every month. Dr Kannan, on the other hand, told us he visits the clinic once every week," said joint director Dr Gurunathan, officer on special duty, who was part of the Theni raid told TOI.

In another case, two ISM practitioners were found writing prescriptions on the letterhead of a prominent gynecologist in Chennai area. "The allopathic doctors are well known in the area. We are unable to reveal their names as the case is under investigation. We have information about at least three more doctors who have been helping quacks. We will be sending their names to the medical council for disciplinary action including suspension," said a senior official.

Where is the action?

Tamil Nadu, a state known to the stricken by quacks, is unable to take action against such practices. Despite being caught in the act, quacks go Scot-free after paying a fine of Rs 1000 only. On the other hand, the state medical council, which has the powers to initiate disciplinary action against the medical practitioners for such activities remains dysfunctional for the past 9 months.