After 23 years, Pune Municipal Corporation proposes key changes to Combat Fake Doctors
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), addressing the growing menace of fake medical practitioners in Pune, has proposed important changes to its 'Anti-Bogus Doctors Findings and Action Committee.' Originally established in September 1991 under the directives of the Government of Maharashtra, the PMC's committee is set to undergo structural reforms after 23 years.
The committee is currently chaired by the PMC commissioner as the chairman, with the medical officer of health acting as the member-secretary. It also includes zonal medical officers, legal experts, and the information and public relations officer. A senior PMC official revealed that the proposed changes include the additional municipal commissioner as joint chairman of the committee and all 15 ward medical officers (WMOs) as its members.
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As per the recent media report, the officer told Hindustan Times, “The proposal has been sent to the PMC commissioner and is likely to be approved soon. These changes will help the committee take timely action without errors,” the officer said on condition of anonymity.
Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer and head of the ‘Anti-Bogus Doctors Findings and Action Committee’ stated that WMOs are officials responsible for filing complaints with the police department against the suspected bogus doctors. Additionally, they are tasked with coordinating with lawyers and attending court hearings. However, Dr. Dighe mentioned that, at present, the WMOs are not included in the committee.
Officials explain that the proposed changes are intended to streamline the committee’s operations and improve its responsiveness to incidents involving fake medical practitioners. The committee has encountered challenges due to time constraints and the heavy workload of the PMC commissioner, which has occasionally led to delays in taking action. By appointing the additional municipal commissioner as a joint chairman, the PMC aims to resolve these issues and ensure quicker responses.
