Indore: Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists along with Indian Medical Association criticize CMHO's order blocking quacks

Former president of the Indian Medical Association, Indore branch, Dr. Sanjay Londhe told Frees Press Journal that a number of quacks have been operational in the area despite the monitoring of the authorities. The Additional director released orders to take necessary steps against quacks in November 2021, but the CMHO, Indore, considered only in February. Moreover, it released orders to block medical officers and zonal officers from taking action. However, no step has been taken by the authorities to initiate an inspection and action.

'Many fake doctors and quacks are working across the district and they're a threat to the people's health. Many patients have died due to these fake doctors. It has been directed to inspect and take appropriate action against such quacks,' the CMHO mentioned in the orders.

As per a recent media report, Dr. Londhe informed that the district administration as well health department had received several such complaints but no strict action was taken. " We've also submitted a list of about 200 quacks working in different areas of the district along with the proofs to the chief medical and health officer, but, surprisingly, they're sit on the complaints, as well as on the proofs," Dr. Londhe said. He added that no action had been taken by the health department against quacks and the lives of a large number of people were at stake. "A new order has been released by the CMHO, but we're sure that no action will be taken on the ground," he added.

The Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists stated that they had submitted a list of 20 laboratories to the CMHO in October 2021 and these labs were working without any pathologists or without following norms. Dr. Satish Joshi, one of the members of the association said , " We've also submitted proofs and photographs of such laboratories after the health officials assured us that action would be taken against them but the matter was left in the cold storage again".

According to the daily, on the other hand, Dr. BS Saitya, chief medical and health officer, Indore assured that authorities are carrying on the inspection process before taking any steps against quacks or facilities running by flouting norms. "We've ordered the BMOs and ZMOs to take action against quacks working in their areas. We've received complaints from the IMA and the IAPM, but we'll take action only after inspection".