No more quacks, decides Delhi govt

Asks medical councils to lodge FIRs

Delhi government has decided to fight against menace of quacks, telling officials to approach court if police refuse to file an FIR. 

Principal health secretary Anshu Prakash recently held a meeting for the first time to take action against quacks. 

He issued instructions to officials to lodge FIRs if they find fake medical practice. And if the police do not register a case, then the government will approach authorities, from the police commissioner to the Chief Justice of India.

According to estimates, nearly 40,000 quacks practice in Delhi. Recently 80 quacks were caught in Burari in North Delhi and their clinics were seized. But, all clinics later reopend.

Child, mother die

In another incident, quacks attempted to deliver a child in south-west district resulting in the death of the mother and the child. However, the issue was forgotten soon.

After such repeated incidents, Prakash held a meeting with representatives of Delhi Medical Council, Delhi Medical Association, Dental Council, Nursing Council and Homeopathic Board and instructed them to take stern action against quacks.

According to Dr Anil Bansal, chairperson, DMC’s anti-quackery cell, chiefs of all the councils were directed to launch a campaign against quacks and lodge FIRs. The council was also asked to keep a copy of the FIR. 

Approach govt

If the police refuse to lodge the first information report, the council will approach the government after sealing the clinic. 

The government will then complain to the Lt. Governor and the Chief Justice of India. According to Dr Bansal, a comprehensive strategy involving stakeholders like the people and the judiciary has been conceived.

Dr Nityendra Singh, medical superintendent, Max Life Care Hospital, Dwarka said the illegal colonies and villages of the area are full of fake doctors. Many patients from areas like Pochanpur, Amber High, Bijwasan, Kakrola, Uttam Nagar, Goyla Dairy and Najafgarh come to hospitals after their case has been worsened by the quacks.