AP Medical Council warns of strict action against unqualified practitioners

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) has announced a statewide crackdown on quackery, warning that strict action will be taken against unqualified individuals illegally practising modern medicine and endangering public health.

APMC Chairman Dr Daggumati Srihari Rao said the council has stepped up efforts to identify and shut down fake practitioners who treat patients without recognised medical qualifications. He stressed that such illegal practice not only puts lives at risk but also damages trust in the medical profession.

Dr Rao highlighted the role of the anti-quackery committee and urged coordination among district authorities, police, and medical professionals to identify and raid fake practitioners. He added that Instructions have been issued to seal unauthorised clinics, serve notices, collect evidence, and report swiftly to the council and law enforcement.

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He warned of stringent penalties, including cancellation of registrations, and pointed to common quackery tactics such as using misleading titles or running unauthorised labs. At the same time, he promised to revive doctor registrations through mobile APMC units, enabling renewals and services in remote areas.

As per a TOI news report, the APMC has also appealed to registered doctors, medical associations and the general public to report cases of quackery at the earliest. He reiterated his commitment to work closely with all stakeholders, including branches of the Indian Medical Association and district medical officers, to implement these promises effectively, eliminate illegal medical practice, maintain high ethical standards, and safeguard public health across the state.

Highlighting common methods used by quacks, Dr Rao noted that many operate clinics without registration, prescribe modern medicines illegally or present themselves as specialists without valid degrees.

He also announced ex-gratia payments to the kin of deceased doctors, reflecting the council's dual focus on protecting the public and supporting the medical community.

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