The data put out by the Delhi Medical Council reveals that fake doctors are having a great time continuing to treat unsuspecting patients in the nation’s capital. Police inaction is cited as the major reason.
Almost 400 police complaints have been filed by the Council. Of these, just a fourth have been converted to first information reports(FIRs)- something that’s required if the culprits are to be arrested.
Dr Girish Tyagi, the council registrar said to the newspaper, Hindustan Times that in the last three years or so, the Delhi police have registered just 100 FIRs on 397 complaints that were filed until March, 2016 against those who prescribe drugs without having the license to do so. He said that the council members even met senior officials of the Delhi Police but to no avail.
As per the data with the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence for 2015, there are 10,932 doctors of modern medicine in Delhi who are registered with the Delhi Medical Council. The number of registered practitioners of ayurveda is 3,617 while for unani, it’s 2074. For homeopathy, the number is 4,354.
Dr. Tyagi said that it’s only after a thorough investigation that people are certified as quacks, substantiated by documents and foolproof evidence.
The council has a dedicated anti-quackery cell that tracks people without the authorization to prescribe allopathic medicines. Upon receiving a complaint, the council will alert the chief district medical officer of the relevant zone who would then initiate an inquiry.
After that, the council will issue an order which asks the person to shut the illegal clinic and halt the practice. The order will then be shared with the police so that an FIR can be register. The whole process takes some two to three months.
Dr.Tyagi said that sometimes the police don’t even accompany the officials during raids.
The Delhi Police has said that they would act on the complaints at the earliest.
The special commissioner of police(crime) and the chief spokesperson for Delhi Police, Taj Hassan said that as the matter has been brought to his attention, he will ask all district DCPs to take necessary actions and submit reports as early as possible. He added that any action which need to be taken will be taken according to the law.
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