Perambalur: A joint raid conducted by the Health Department and police officials on Tuesday led to the arrest of a 52-year-old man who had allegedly been running an unauthorised clinic from his residence for several years.
The accused had reportedly been treating patients without any recognised medical qualification or licence.
Quack Caught After Years of Illegal Practice
“The quack had no medical degree or licence to practise, yet he had been treating patients at his facility for years,” said Dr K. Marimuthu, Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, Perambalur, as quoted by TOI.
Acting on a tip-off, Dr Marimuthu and police personnel inspected the residence of the accused, identified as Rajendran, on Tuesday afternoon.
Medical Equipment, Drugs Seized
During the raid, officials seized several medical instruments including a stethoscope, glucometer, blood pressure monitor, IV sets, dextrose bottles, tablets, and other medicines—many of which appeared to have been previously used.
The accused reportedly claimed he had a Siddha medicine degree. Investigators also found that he was operating a nearby pharmacy, which has now been ordered to shut down by the Health Department. All medicines and equipment were confiscated.
Case Registered Under BNS and NMC Act
Following a complaint from Dr Marimuthu, police booked the accused under Sections 317 (impersonation) and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 34 of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. He was arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Growing Menace of Quacks
The incident highlights the increasing number of unqualified practitioners operating in rural and semi-urban regions, posing serious threats to public health.
Recently, Medical Dialogues had reported another case where a man running an unregistered children’s clinic with a fake medical degree was booked by police. The facility, which catered to newborns and infants, was sealed after officials confirmed that the accused held no valid medical qualification and the degree presented by him was fraudulent.
