Telangana Health departments’ role in curbing quackery under scrutiny as Medical Council takes proactive action against quacks

In the last one year or so, the Medical Council in Telangana State has registered over 400 FIRs against fake doctors; actively conducted raids in facilities operated by unqualified persons and spoke freely against the perils of quackery.

Hyderabad: The local health administration in Hyderabad and districts in Telangana State, who are the registering authorities for health care facilities, and its role in curtailing quackery have come under scrutiny following the proactive stance of Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) to curb the menace.

In the last one year or so, the Medical Council in Telangana State has registered over 400 FIRs against fake doctors; actively conducted raids in facilities operated by unqualified persons and spoke freely against the perils of quackery.

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In contrast, the district health administration, which is a part of the State health department and is headed by the local District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), is yet to launch concerted efforts to end the menace of quackery.

The Medical Council of Telangana State, on the other hand has been quite zealous in its fight against unqualified medical practitioners. In fact, it has set-up a dedicated tip-line (WhatsApp no-9154382727) for public people to alert them. There is also an exclusive email (antiquackerytsmc@onlinetsmc.in) that enables people to reach the Council members and tip them off about the existence of shady clinics manned by quacks.

“In our raids, we have come across instances where unqualified individuals are even conducting plastic surgeries. At Amyra clinic in Hanamkonda, complex skin therapies were being offered to gullible patients by unqualified persons. Such practices are not only cheating patients but also putting their lives at risk,” senior office bearers of Council said.

A few weeks ago, at Suryapet, doctors from the Medical Council raided a diagnostic centre, where a 2D Echo test, to assess the functioning of a patient’s heart, was being administered by a technician in the absence of a qualified cardiologist.

Senior Council members said that there have been several occasions where the health care facility is registered to a qualified doctor but facility is being manned by unqualified individuals or compounders.

“We have referred such doctors, who are not present physically at the health care facilities that are registered in their names, to our own ethical committee. Very soon we will take action against such doctors. While the Medical Council is doing all it can to curb the menace of quacks, the district health care administration and State health department too should take active interest in such public health issues,” senior Medical Council members said.