PMC registers FIR during crackdown on bogus medical practitioners; police launch investigation under Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act
A Pune-based man has been booked for allegedly posing as a doctor on social media and conducting unauthorised chiropractic courses without possessing recognised medical qualifications. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) registered the case as part of its ongoing crackdown against bogus medical practitioners in the city.
According to PMC officials, the action is part of a larger drive to curb illegal medical practice across Pune. Civic body records show that between 2013 and 2024, cases have been registered against 56 bogus doctors in the city. The latest review of these cases was conducted during a committee meeting chaired by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
Following scrutiny by the civic body’s search and action committee and after obtaining a legal opinion, an FIR was registered under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Speaking on the issue, PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr. Rajesh Dighe urged citizens to verify the educational qualifications and statutory registrations of doctors before seeking treatment. He also appealed to the public to report any suspected cases of illegal medical practice to the respective zonal office or the Municipal Corporation’s Health Department.
Dr. Dighe said the police and the Pune Municipal Corporation will continue their coordinated efforts to identify and take action against bogus medical practitioners operating in the city.
After an investigation and a formal legal opinion, the case was officially registered on July 27. Officials confirmed that the Kondhwa Police are carrying out further investigations.
During the review meeting, the Municipal Commissioner directed the Health and Legal Departments to update the status of all pending cases against fake doctors and verify whether any of the accused had resumed medical practice despite legal action.
According to civic officials, an individual is considered a bogus doctor if they provide medical treatment or perform medical procedures without holding recognised qualifications such as MBBS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, BDS, or postgraduate medical degrees like MD or MS registered with the appropriate statutory medical council.
