Odisha Govt lays down stringent measures to curb fake doctors menace

Cuttack: In a significant move aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, the Odisha government has decided to establish anti-quack cells in all districts. The government has pledged to eliminate the presence of quacks, across the state.  

Responding to the Orissa High Court, the government has outlined a series of measures to crack down on this menace. One of the key initiatives announced by the state government is the establishment of anti-quack cells in all districts and these cells will serve as dedicated units to investigate complaints and take swift action against individuals practising medicine without proper qualifications. Upon receiving reports of fake doctors, the authorities will promptly register complaints at police stations and initiate arrests, reports Prameyanews.

Furthermore, the government has taken steps to enhance transparency in the medical profession by uploading the names of registered doctors on the website of the Odisha Council of Medical Registration. This online database will provide easy access to information about legitimate healthcare practitioners, enabling the public to verify the credentials of doctors practising in their locality. 

Recognizing the importance of spreading awareness among the rural population, the government plans to disseminate information about registered doctors in panchayats and rural areas. Local public representatives will play a crucial role in this endeavour by ensuring that communities are informed about the availability of authentic medical services, reports The Daily.

To facilitate accessibility to this vital information, the government has introduced the Sanjog toll-free helpline number 1916. Individuals who cannot access the online database can call this helpline to inquire about the legitimacy of a particular doctor. These initiatives come in response to directives from the Orissa High Court, which had urged the state health department to take proactive measures to identify and eliminate fake doctors.

With these stringent measures in place, the Odisha government is committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens by ensuring that only qualified and registered medical professionals provide healthcare services across the state.