Assam arrests 89 alleged fake doctors in a year, 115 FIRs registered

Guwahati: Assam has arrested 89 alleged fake doctors over the past year, with 115 FIRs registered and 15 accused practitioners still absconding, according to the state’s anti-quackery authorities. 

The action has been carried out by the Anti-Quackery and Vigilance Cell under the Assam Council of Medical Registration and the Directorate of Medical Education. Established in January 2025, the cell aims to identify unqualified practitioners and curb illegal and unethical medical practices across the state.

According to the Sentinel, Dr Abhijit Neog claimed that legal proceedings have been initiated against individuals practising medicine without valid qualifications, as well as those allegedly providing specialist services without the required credentials. Practitioners found engaging in unethical activities have also been warned of legal consequences if they continue such practices.

The formation of the cell followed a public interest litigation filed before the Gauhati High Court seeking a survey of unqualified practitioners across Assam. The petition also sought verification of their credentials, a public helpline and a dedicated mechanism to investigate complaints of quackery.

The state government has subsequently stepped up enforcement against people allegedly practising medicine using forged documents or other practitioners’ registrations.

In one recent case, a man was arrested over allegations that he used forged qualifications to take charge of the intensive care unit at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital. He had reportedly faced similar allegations in an earlier case.

In another instance, a private hospital owner in Silchar was arrested over an alleged fake certificate racket involving bogus MBBS and nursing qualifications issued through fraudulent research centres, The Sentinel reported. 

Authorities have also detected cases of individuals allegedly practising from pharmacies. In Guwahati, a person was arrested for allegedly practising medicine illegally for more than four decades using the registration number of a retired doctor.

The arrests highlight the scale of enforcement underway in Assam, where authorities have pledged to intensify action against unqualified medical practitioners and prevent patients from receiving treatment from people lacking the necessary credentials.