New Delhi: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, informed the Lok Sabha that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised all State Medical Councils and authorities overseeing medical education in States and Union Territories (UTs) to appoint officers responsible for filing complaints against quacks in courts or with concerned authorities. This measure is aimed at curbing the practice of illegal and unqualified medical practitioners.
NMC’s Directive Against Quackery
The Minister highlighted that the NMC, the apex medical regulatory authority, has issued specific directives to State Medical Councils to address the issue of quackery.
- Legal Provisions:
Under Section 34 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, individuals not registered as medical practitioners in the State or National Register are prohibited from practising medicine. Violation of this provision can result in:- Imprisonment of up to one year.
- A fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Or both penalties.
- Complaint Mechanism:
The designated officers will be tasked with lodging complaints in courts or with relevant authorities to ensure timely legal actions against quacks.
Parliamentary Query on Quackery
During the session, Member Shri Eswarasamy raised concerns regarding the prevalence of quacks in the country. Key points of his query included:
- The existence of thousands of fake doctors practising illegally.
- Whether these individuals hold any professional degrees or diplomas.
- The government’s measures to monitor and penalize such practices.
In response, Shri Nadda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing this issue through legal and administrative measures.
Incidents and Actions Against Quacks
Quackery remains a persistent concern across states. Several incidents highlight the growing menace:
- Recent Case in Uttar Pradesh:
The state’s health department filed FIRs against 11 quacks practising illegally in Agra. Notices were issued, but the accused failed to provide valid proof of medical qualifications, prompting legal action. - Routine Raids:
Across the country, state health departments are conducting frequent raids to uncover and take action against unqualified practitioners.
Government’s Initiative to Safeguard Public Health
The NMC’s directive to appoint officers is a critical step in curbing the proliferation of fake medical practitioners. With stronger enforcement mechanisms and dedicated officers, the government aims to ensure only qualified individuals are permitted to practice medicine, thereby safeguarding public health.
