Karnataka Medical Council asks MCI to Investigate on Hair Transplant Chain

Bengaluru: Alleging that the prominent trichologist couple and the founders of Richfeel Trichology Centres, are running 90 unregistered clinics across the country with unqualified doctors, the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) has asked the Medical Council of India (MCI) to initiate an investigation into the matter.

The letter brings into light the issue of the credentials and qualifications required to perform Hair Transplant in the country.

The New Indian Express mentions the case of Dr Apoorva Shah and Dr Sonal Shah, known in the area as the ‘Shahs of trichology’ who have now been accused by the state medical council of doing hair transplants without having the necessary qualification for the same. It is reported that the basic qualification of the two doctors is in Homeopathy and the duo are regsitered with the Maharashtra Council of Homeopathy for the same.

In a letter written to the MCI Secretary, KMC registrar Dr BPS Murthy requested the apex medical regulator to set off a probe to ascertain their clinics’ registrations as well as the qualifications of the doctor couple.

The registrar stated in the letter, a copy of which is with TNIE, “They are running 90 clinics across India. These clinics are not registered... under the Private Medical Establishment Act. The qualifications of the doctors for carrying out procedures are also not as per the Medical Council of India schedules. Kindly investigate the matter.”

Mentioning the claim of Dr Apoorva about his credentials, the letter added, “He claimed that he has a qualification from the UK and International Association of Trichology, Australia, apart from his basic qualification in homeopathy.”

Further, the letter added that his clinic in Bengaluru is not registered under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (KPME) Act. While clarifying the said issue, Dr Apoorva said that he wasn’t aware of the procedure for registration under KPME Act. “He claimed there are 20 centers doing hair transplantation where MD and MS qualified doctors are appointed. He has not submitted his certificates regarding qualification pertaining to International Association of Trichology, Australia, or qualification obtained from the UK,” the letter added

When contacted, Karnataka Medical council president Dr H Veerabhadrappa told the daily, “They are homeopaths but are doing hair transplants for those suffering from baldness. They haven’t produced their qualifications to do these surgeries. None of their clinics are registered. We have sent the order given to the district health officer of Bengaluru to the Union Health Ministry and MCI as well to investigate their clinics.”

Reacting to the issue, the CEO of Richfeel Trichology Centre, Seema Singh Bhadoria, claimed that they are in the process of registering their clinics with the KMC. “In other states, our clinics are registered under the Shop and Establishment Act. Karnataka requires a separate registration for clinics and this letter comes as a shock to us,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, the state medical council has also ordered the district health officer of Bangalore district to take action as per the KPME Act and furnish a report by September 4.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that an MBBS medical practitioner was suspended for a period of 2 years after the Telangana medical council found that he did not have postgraduate qualifications. The matter came to light when a patient moved the council after losing an eye following the botched hair transplant surgery.

Read Also: MBBS Doctor performing Hair Transplant: Medical Council removes name for 2 years