Guwahati HC reviews anti-quackery measures, seeks Govt response

Guwahati: The Guwahati High Court has taken up a detailed review of the steps undertaken by the Anti-quackery and Vigilance Cell of the Assam Council of Medical Registration (ACMR) to curb quackery in the state, seeking the government’s response to a series of suggestions aimed at strengthening enforcement mechanisms.

The matter pertains to a public interest litigation (PIL No. 34/2023) filed by Dr Abhijit Neog, who also serves as the Anti-quackery and Vigilance Officer of the ACMR. Acting on earlier directions of the court, Dr Neog recently submitted an affidavit detailing the actions taken by the Anti-quackery and Vigilance Cell and offering recommendations for better identification and control of quackery.

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However, the petitioner’s counsel pointed out that although Anti-quackery Units have been constituted in all districts and are functioning under the supervision of the Director of Health Services, Assam, the petitioner has no clear idea about the extent of their operational effectiveness.

Chowdhury, on behalf of the petitioner, flagged a few suggestions for controlling quackery in the State of Assam. These suggestions include the creation of a Central Monitoring and Coordinating Committee for overseeing the functioning of the various Quackery Units in the districts. Suggestions have also been made for the composition of such a Central Monitoring and Coordinating Committee. It has been suggested that it would be better if the Committee, referred to above, would include Director of Health Services, the Registrar of the ACMR, Registrar of the State Council of Indian Medicines (SCIM), or any Officer deputed by the Directorate of Ayush, Assam, a Police Officer and if possible, a few representatives of the recognized bodies of Medical Professionals, like Indian Medical Association (IMA) and some Law Officers as well, reports The Sentinel.

Other recommendations include the allotment of a toll-free helpline number for reporting quackery, the creation of an online database of doctors registered with the ACMR, and the establishment of a separate Anti-quackery Cell under the Home and Political Department. This proposed cell would be modelled on specialised units such as the Cyber Crime Cell, Narcotics Cell, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Wing, and Women and Child Helpline Cell, and staffed with specially trained officers.

Additional Advocate General B. Gogoi, appearing for the state, submitted that while sustained efforts are already being made to curb quackery in Assam, the suggestions given by the petitioner would be considered and, if necessary, incorporated into the measures being undertaken by the government. He also informed the court that the state would examine whether quacks released on bail have resumed their illegal practice.

The Additional Advocate General further submitted to the bench that the possibility of a statutory framework for controlling quackery also would be contemplated at the level of the Government and that it shall be communicated to this Bench forthwith if it happens. He added that with the implementation of these measures and suggestions, the menace of quackery could be substantially curbed, paving the way for the closure of the petition.

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