State Takes Action Against 55 Bogus Medical Practitioners Since 2021; QR Code-Based ‘Know Your Doctor’ System Rolled Out
Mumbai – In a significant development to curb medical malpractice, Maharashtra Minister of State for Medical Education Madhuri Misal informed the Legislative Council on Monday that the state government is in the process of drafting a strict law aimed at curbing the menace of fake doctors.
Responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLCs Manisha Kayande and Vikram Kale, Misal said that firm action has already been taken across the state and 55 bogus doctors have been booked since 2021.
Crackdown Across Districts; Mumbai Records Highest Offenders
The minister disclosed district-wise data on bogus doctors identified so far:
- Mumbai – 34 cases
- Jalgaon – 9 cases
- Ahilyanagar – 8 cases
- Nashik – 4 cases
She reaffirmed that the drafting of a tougher legal framework is underway, which will help impose harsher penalties and stronger regulatory checks.
“A new law is being prepared to ensure effective action against bogus doctors and to impose tighter restrictions,” Misal stated, as per IANS.
She added that the initiative involves a joint committee comprising the Indian Medical Council, Maharashtra Medical Council, and the Public Health Department.
QR Code System Introduced Under ‘Know Your Doctor’ Campaign
To empower patients and ensure transparency, Misal said that the state has launched the ‘Know Your Doctor’ campaign, which integrates modern QR code technology.
Under this system:
- All registered doctors are issued a QR-coded ID card
- Doctors must display this ID at the clinic’s entrance
- Patients can scan the QR code to access verified credentials and details about the practitioner on their phones
This initiative, implemented with the Maharashtra Medical Council, aims to reduce patient vulnerability to unqualified practitioners and increase public awareness.
Night School Reforms Also Underway: Education Minister
In a related development, Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar informed the Council that the government is preparing a new policy to address salary, appointment, and service condition disparities affecting principals, teachers, and non-teaching staff at night schools across the state.
Responding to another motion by MLC Manisha Kayande, Bhoyar said that a committee under the Education Commissioner has been formed to review the issues and suggest reforms.
“The aim is to bring out-of-school populations into mainstream education. A revised policy will be implemented after receiving the final committee report,” he said.
Several teachers’ organisations and public representatives have long demanded these changes to improve working conditions in night schools that cater to underprivileged and working populations.
