01 September,2023 03:40 PM IST | Thane | PTI
This picture has been used for representational purpose
In a move to safeguard public health, Manuj Jindal, the CEO of Thane Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra, has instructed health department officials to initiate unannounced inspections aimed at identifying and penalizing counterfeit medical practitioners within the district. This directive was delivered during a meeting held on Thursday. Jindal emphasized the necessity for health officials to conduct surprise raids, diligently seeking out any sham doctors operating within the district.
Moreover, Jindal urged officials to remain vigilant and take resolute measures against these fraudulent individuals, whose actions put the health and well-being of the community at risk.
Dr Gangadhar Parge, the District Health Officer, shed light on the gravity of the situation by revealing that there are currently pending cases against 16 counterfeit doctors within the district. A significant majority of these cases - 11 to be precise - are concentrated in the Bhiwandi area. These revelations highlight the pressing need for rigorous enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of unqualified medical practitioners.
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In a recent case, three underqualified or bogus doctors were arrested for practising medicine without a license at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-run hospital in Mulund. Two trustees of the hospital were arrested by the police in June days after the reports of bogus doctors first surfaced. The Maharashtra Medical Council, a statutory body, responsible for registering and regulating doctors in the state was criticised for being lax in its enforcement of regulations after the incident. The MMC had reportedly received complaints about the qualifications of bogus doctors in Mulund months before their arrest but did not initiate action.
In another case, nearly ten fake doctors were arrested in Vasai-Virar for practising allopathic medicine without any medical qualifications or registration.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, three bogus doctors were arrested from Thane for practising medicine without proper qualifications and cheating patients. Notices were issued to the three accused from Bhiwandi town. Reportedly, the three accused, in the age group of 46 to 52 years, were allegedly practising allopathy without a valid medical degree and have been booked under Indian Penal Code Section 420 (cheating) and provisions of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act following a complaint by Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation's medical officer.