State Medical Councils to Appoint Officer for Filing Complaints Against Quacks in Court: MoS Health informs Parliament

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised that all State Medical Councils, as well as the bodies in charge of medical education of all States/UTs, appoint an officer to file complaints before the Honorable Court or any other concerned authority to take appropriate action against quacks, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda informed the Lok Sabha recently.

The Minister was responding to queries related to fake doctors in the country during which he conveyed that the National Medical Commission, the apex regulatory authority, had already issued directives for the appointment of an officer to tackle this issue.

Also read- Medical Council Notice to 40 doctors for taking referral patients from QUACKS

During the parliament session, member Shri Eswarasamy K sought to know from the minister whether it is a fact that there are still thousands of quack/fake doctors practising medicine illegally in many parts of the country, if so, the details thereof, whether these quacks have acquired some professional degree/diplomas to practice medicine, if so, the details thereof, whether the Government has set up any machinery to keep a check and punish these quacks; and if so, the details thereof.

Responding to the queries, MoS Health said, "Section 34 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, prohibits a person other than a medical practitioner enrolled in the State/National Register, to practice medicine as a qualified medical practitioner. Any person who contravenes, punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine which may extend to Rs.5 Lakh or both is also prescribed under the Act."

Further, he informed that "As informed by NMC, all State Medical Councils and in-charge of medical education of all States/UTs, were requested to appoint an officer to file complaints before the Hon’ble Court or any other concerned authority to take appropriate action against quacks as per law."

Quackery has become a serious concern for state health departments in the country. While a large number of unqualified practitioners are being discovered through raids every month, actions are also being taken against them.

Medical Dialogues had reported several incidents related to quackery. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh health department filed FIRs against 11 quacks after they were found practising without a license and a valid medical degree in Agra.

While the department issued notices to the alleged quacks, they failed to provide proof of their medical backgrounds and qualifications as doctors leading the health department to take action against them.

Also read- Crackdown on Illegal Clinics in Agra, 11 Quacks Booked