Silchar: In a shocking case of medical impersonation, a 23-year-old man without any medical qualifications was arrested on Tuesday for posing as a gynaecologist at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH).
The Incident
The accused, a resident of Katigorah, had reportedly been entering SMCH in a white doctor’s coat and treating patients in the gynaecology OPD since August 29. His activities went unnoticed until hospital staff grew suspicious of his repeated visits after 2 PM and alerted authorities.
Police and Hospital Response
Cachar SSP Numal Mahatta confirmed the arrest, stating:
“The individual had no medical qualifications but was impersonating a gynaecologist at SMCH. He has been apprehended, and lawful action has been initiated.”
SMCH principal Dr. Bhaskar Gupta added that the staff had closely monitored the suspect before informing the police. An FIR has been registered after his arrest. He also clarified that the accused, identified as Barbhuiya, was never enrolled as a doctor at SMCH.
A Worrying Pattern
This is not an isolated incident. Authorities fear a larger organized racket involved in supplying fake medical degrees in the Barak Valley region.
During a recent visit to Silchar, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma admitted to growing concerns, hinting at a “well-organized network” that could be facilitating such impersonations in exchange for hefty sums.
Previous Cases
- Earlier, a fake BAMS doctor was arrested in connection with an abortion racket.
- In another shocking case, a man from Assam’s Sribhumi district posed as an obstetrician and gynaecologist for nearly 10 years in Silchar, assisting in 50 cesarean sections and other surgeries since 2016.
The latest arrest has renewed demands for stricter verification of medical practitioners and tighter monitoring of hospitals to safeguard patients from quacks endangering lives.
