Sangareddy: In a significant crackdown on illegal medical practices, the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) has uncovered a network of unqualified individuals posing as doctors and treating patients across Sangareddy district. The raids, led by TSMC Vice-chairman Dr. G Srinivas, revealed that at least 25 people were illegally practicing medicine without the necessary qualifications.
Raids Expose Widespread Illegal Medical Practices
During the raids, the team discovered that the majority of these unqualified practitioners had set up clinics as Rural Medical Practitioners (RMPs), despite lacking the required medical training. These clinics were mainly located in slums and industrial areas such as Patancheru, IDA Bollaram, and Isnapur, where migrant workers and economically disadvantaged individuals typically reside.
The unqualified doctors were found to be prescribing medications on fake prescriptions using the names of MBBS-qualified doctors. Many of these individuals had no formal medical education, yet they were providing treatments and medications, including expired drugs, which were exposed during a drug inspection in Vavilala village in Jinnaram mandal.
BAMS Doctors Violating Guidelines
In addition to these illegal practices, the medical council also found Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) qualified doctors practicing allopathy, which is a violation of medical guidelines. Such practices not only jeopardize the health of patients but also constitute a serious breach of professional ethics.
Calls for Stricter Enforcement and Regular Raids
Despite previous efforts by the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr. Gayathri, who had seized several clinics and nursing homes operating illegally, the problem persists as these fraudulent practitioners continue to relocate and set up new operations once exposed.
Citizens in the district have called on the Telangana State Medical Council, the District Health Department, and Drug Inspectors to conduct regular raids to apprehend such individuals and curb the practice of fake medicine.
There is also growing support for the establishment of Palle Dawakhanas (village health centers) and Basthi Dawakhanas (community health centers) to provide affordable healthcare to the poor and ensure that only qualified practitioners treat patients.
Consequences for Violators
Dr. Srinivas emphasized that even trained RMPs are only allowed to provide first aid and could face severe penalties for practicing medicine beyond their scope. Those found guilty of violating medical guidelines could face up to one year in jail and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
