Define Penal Provisions against Quacks, RMPs running clinics in Telangana: HC slams Govt

Hyderabad: Concerned over the fraudulent medical practice of quacks and unqualified persons in the state, the Hyderabad High Court has directed the Telangana government to submit a comprehensive report regarding all aspects pertaining to RMP (Rural Medical Practitioners) and PMP (Private Medical Practitioners) ‘doctors’.

The order was passed after hearing a PIL filed by Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association, which was represented by its President, Dr Mahesh Kumar, seeking directions to prevent RMP and PMP doctors from running clinics in rural and urban areas in Telangana.

What action can Telangana government take against an RMP, if something goes wrong?

The bench comprising honourable Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan and Justice V. Ramasubramanian asked Special Government Pleader (GP) Sanjeev Kumar “What penal action would you initiate if a person treated by an RMP suffers? Do you have any law to deal with this situation?”

Hindu quotes the Chief Justice as stating, “In a particular region of Chhattisgarh, several persons had complaints of renal failure. RMPs and quacks in those regions used to prescribe brufen tablets to them. That would only further endanger and aggravate the ailing patients. There must be legislation and penal provisions to initiate action against such quacks and unqualified persons playing with the lives of people.”

The bench further asked the government pleader about the steps taken on the issue and whether there was any mechanism to prevent them from practising medicine without requisite qualification.

On this, the advocate submitted that by issuing a GO in the year 2015, the government has constituted a committee to examine the issue and impart training to the rural medical practitioners (RMPs). He admitted that there was no specific mechanism to check the prevalence of quacks and RMPs.

Dissatisfied with the reply, the bench expressed displeasure over the government’s inaction on such a crucial issue affecting the lives of people in both rural and urban areas.

Asking, “What was the use in issuing the GO, when no steps were taken on the issue?”, the bench directed the committee concerned to have a comprehensive study and to submit a report, reports TNIE.