Gujarat cracks down on 38 suspected fake doctors, FIRs registered against 35

Gandhinagar: The state health department has identified 38 suspected fake doctors during a statewide crackdown on unauthorised medical practice in Gujarat, with police registering FIRs against 35 of them following inspections across several districts. 

The operation brought together 298 teams formed by the Health Department and police. Officials from local police units, the Crime Branch and Special Operations Group (SOG) inspected clinics and other premises across several districts to verify the credentials of individuals providing medical treatment.

Rajkot recorded the highest number of suspected cases, with 17 practitioners identified. Surat accounted for nine, followed by Gir Somnath with three and Surendranagar with two. The remaining cases were detected in other districts, with one suspected practitioner identified in each.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the inspections were conducted jointly over 15 consecutive days. Of the 38 individuals identified during the exercise, 35 have been booked in FIRs. The authorities are continuing action against those suspected of practising without recognised medical qualifications.

The government has also put in place district-level committees to strengthen surveillance beyond the special drive. These panels bring together Taluka Health Officers, police personnel, health supervisors and village-level Talati-cum-Mantris. They are expected to gather information from local areas, identify suspected unauthorised practitioners and monitor their activities.

During the operation, authorities also found that several suspected practitioners had shut their clinics and fled before the joint teams could reach their premises. The Health Department and police have continued surveillance and searches to trace them and initiate legal action, NDTV reported. 

The health minister said enforcement would continue even after the festival season. The Health Department has also urged residents, community organisations and NGOs to inform the nearest police station, Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre or SOG about individuals suspected of providing treatment without recognised qualifications.

The department has cautioned people against seeking care from unqualified practitioners, citing the risk of incorrect treatment, serious complications and lasting harm. It has also pointed out that government hospitals and health centres provide free treatment, medicines and diagnostic services.