Illegal Clinic in Thoraipakkam
Chennai: A 38-year-old man was arrested in Thoraipakkam, on the outskirts of Chennai, for allegedly running an illegal clinic and prescribing allopathic medicines for nearly ten years without a valid medical degree.
Lack of Medical Qualifications
The accused, who studied only up to class 12, operated a clinic named “Vijay Clinic and Home Visit Service” at Okkiyam Thoraipakkam. He had no medical qualifications and was not registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, a mandatory requirement to practise medicine in the state.
Inspection by Health Officials
Acting on multiple public complaints, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services conducted a surprise inspection of the clinic. The team, led by Joint Director Meenakshi Sundari, discovered that the accused had been examining patients, prescribing medicines, and providing home visits without a licence.
Forged Credentials
Officials also seized a forged MBBS certificate, which the accused presented to claim that he had studied medicine in West Bengal. This deception helped him operate the clinic undetected for nearly a decade.
Police Action and Arrest
Based on a complaint lodged by the health department, Kannagi Nagar police registered a case against the accused. He was arrested and produced before a magistrate’s court in Chennai, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Impact on Patients
Medical experts warn that such fake practitioners pose severe risks to public health, as they lack the knowledge and training to diagnose or treat patients safely, potentially leading to misdiagnoses, incorrect prescriptions, and serious health complications.
Previous Cases Highlight Rising Trend
Medical Dialogues previously reported the arrest of a fake doctor from Solapur involved in an international kidney trafficking racket, highlighting a worrying trend of unqualified individuals exploiting vulnerable populations under the guise of medical practice.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
Health authorities have urged the public to verify credentials before seeking medical treatment and to report any suspicious clinics. Regular inspections and strict enforcement are being emphasized to prevent unqualified practitioners from operating in Tamil Nadu.
