MBBS doctor slapped Rs 50,000 fine, 3 months suspension by Medical Council for claiming to be specialist

During the investigation, the council found that not just that the doctor was claiming to be a specialist in Nephrology when he was not, he was also using a degree [MD (Nephrology)] on the signboard of the hospital, which is not only an "invalid degree" but also an "unrecognised qualification" as per Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, now National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

"It is hereby informed that the punishment, i.e. removal of his name from the Medical Register for a Period of Three Months commences from the date on which he surrenders his Original Certificate of Registration and make the payment of Fine amount as specified above," mentioned the official Gazette notification of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council.

The case concerned a doctor from Rajamundry, who was allegedly using the degree of M.D (Nephrology) and was also displaying the same on the sign board of the Hospital where he was working.

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When the matter came to the notice of the State Medical Council, the apex medical body of the state perused a photograph of the concerned signboard which showed that the doctor had a degree of M.D (Nephrology).

Following this, the General Body of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council on August 24, 2021took a decision on the matter and the same was communicated to the doctor via letter dated 06.10.2021.

Referring to the Andhra Pradesh Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1968- Provisions of Sub-Section (5) of Section-17 of the Act the Council suggested removing the name of the concerned doctor from the medical register for a period of three months.

The name of the doctor was removed from the "Medical Register on 10^th November, 2021 for a period of THREE MONTHS for violation of Provisions of Regulation 1.4.2 and 7.20 as a Photograph of the Sign Board of a Hospital depicting- Dr. (***), M.D. (Nephrology) on it, which is not only an "invalid degree" but also an "unrecognised qualification" as per Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, now National Medical Commission Act, 2019," stated the Gazette.

Directing the doctor to surrender his Original Registration Certificate the Council further mentioned, "In addition to the above, in pursuance of the said decision of the General Body of Andhra Pradesh Medical Council, he is liable for payment of fine of Rupees Fifty Thousand (Rs. 50,000/-) which he shall pay to the Council immediately by way of Demand Draft obtained from any Nationalised Bank, favouring "Andhra Pradesh Medical Council" payable at Vijayawada.

To view the official Gazette, click on the link below.