Know Your Doctor: Maharashtra Medical Council to combat quackery with QR Codes

Mumbai: The much-awaited 'Know Your Doctor', an exclusive and one-of-a-kind platform created to combat the growing menace of quacks in the state and ensure the highest standards of patient safety, has been ultimately launched by the Maharashtra Medical Council. This innovative mobile application will allow patients to verify a doctor's credentials before seeking medical treatment.

The primary aim of the 'Know Your Doctor' platform is to establish a secure and transparent system that allows patients to verify the credentials of doctors. The KYD portal allows doctors to order a QR code-based plate for their practising premises only after linking their registration ID on the portal. After this, the patients can scan the QR code and know whether the doctor is a verified medical professional or just a quack. 

Also read- 'Know Your Doctor': Maharashtra Medical Council to launch app to combat fraudulent practitioners

The healthcare system in Maharashtra continues to face a significant challenge with unlicensed and fraudulent medical practices, which pose a serious threat, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas. In response to this alarming issue, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has consistently been taking proactive measures, including identifying and delisting fraudulent practices from its registry.

To address this concern, Instic Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in affiliation with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), has developed this innovative, QR code-based platform. 

Medical Dialogues last year reported that the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) is developing a new mobile application known as “Know Your Doctor,” for patients to become aware if they are receiving treatment from any unqualified medical practitioner. The council members alleged that the app will empower patients by giving them easy access to crucial information about their medical practitioners in Maharashtra. They claimed that the app will help patients verify the credentials of any registered medical practitioners in the state.

Keeping their promise, the council has finally launched the platform and issued a notification in this regard on February 11 which stated, "In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering patients and enhancing transparency in healthcare, MMC is proud to announce the launch of the Know Your Doctor (KYD) Platform. This innovative platform will serve as a comprehensive tool to help patients make informed decisions by providing verified information about authenticity of their doctors."

Further, the notice reads, "As part of this initiative, MMC encourages all Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) in Maharashtra to display the QR Code-based KYD Card at their practice locations. This QR code will allow patients to scan it using their smartphones or personal computers, instantly accessing verified information about the authenticity of their doctor."

Key Features of the KYD Platform:

• Doctor Verification: Authentic and up-to-date credentials and licenses for healthcare professionals.
• Specialty Details: Information on the doctor’s specialization and areas of expertise.
• Convenient Access: Accessible via Android-based mobile devices for patients everywhere.

How to sign up for the KYD portal?

One can sign up for the initiative by visiting the portal directly or through the link provided on the official Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) website. After entering your medical registration ID, an OTP will be sent to the doctor's registered mobile number (as per MMC records). Once he/she enters the correct OTP, they will gain access to their profile. 

Doctors can generate their QR codes through the official KYD platform at www.kyd.co.in MMC has also made available demo videos and FAQs on the website to assist medical professionals in the registration process. 

Further, the council has urged all registered doctors to actively participate in this initiative, helping to create a safer and more reliable healthcare environment for the people of Maharashtra.