State Medical Councils to Appoint Officer for Filing Complaints Against Quacks in Court: MoS Health informs Parliament

Responding to the queries, MoS Health said, "Section 34 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, prohibits a person other than a medical practitioner enrolled in the State/National Register, to practice medicine as a qualified medical practitioner. Any person who contravenes, punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine which may extend to Rs.5 Lakh or both is also prescribed under the Act."

Further, he informed that "As informed by NMC, all State Medical Councils and in-charge of medical education of all States/UTs, were requested to appoint an officer to file complaints before the Hon’ble Court or any other concerned authority to take appropriate action against quacks as per law."

Quackery has become a serious concern for state health departments in the country. While a large number of unqualified practitioners are being discovered through raids every month, actions are also being taken against them.

Medical Dialogues had reported several incidents related to quackery. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh health department filed FIRs against 11 quacks after they were found practising without a license and a valid medical degree in Agra.

While the department issued notices to the alleged quacks, they failed to provide proof of their medical backgrounds and qualifications as doctors leading the health department to take action against them.

Also read- Crackdown on Illegal Clinics in Agra, 11 Quacks Booked