Is the Maha government drafting a strict law against bogus doctors?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government is drafting a stringent law against bogus doctors.
- 55 cases against bogus doctors registered since 2021.
- The “Know Your Doctor” campaign uses QR codes for verification.
- Joint committee includes Indian Medical Council and Public Health Department.
- New policies for night schools aim to improve conditions for staff.
Mumbai, July 14 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister of State for Medical Education, Madhuri Misal, announced during a state council meeting that the government is actively engaged in formulating a stringent law to combat the issue of bogus doctors.
In response to a calling attention motion put forth by members Manisha Kayande and Vikram Kale, the minister highlighted that the state has taken rigorous measures against fraudulent medical practitioners. Since 2021, the Public Health Department has initiated legal actions against 55 bogus doctors, including eight in Ahilyanagar, four in Nashik, nine in Jalgaon, and 34 in Mumbai.
She confirmed that the drafting process for a more robust law targeting these fraudulent practitioners is progressing.
“A law is being devised to implement effective measures against bogus doctors and to enforce stricter regulations. A joint committee comprising members from the Indian Medical Council, Maharashtra Medical Council, and the Public Health Department is working on this initiative,” she stated.
Furthermore, Minister Misal introduced the “Know Your Doctor” campaign, which utilizes a modern QR code system in collaboration with the state government and the Maharashtra Medical Council.
Under this initiative, each registered doctor is issued a unique QR-coded identity card, which is required to be prominently displayed in their clinic. This QR code allows citizens and patients to conveniently access detailed information about the doctor using their mobile devices.
In a related matter, Pankaj Bhoyar, the Minister of State for School Education, informed the state council about the development of a new policy aimed at addressing inconsistencies in salaries, appointments, and service conditions for principals, teachers, and non-teaching staff in night schools across the state.
A committee has been established, chaired by the Education Commissioner, to tackle this issue following another calling attention motion raised by member Manisha Kayande.
Minister Bhoyar emphasized that the government seeks to integrate out-of-school groups into the mainstream educational framework through night schools, responding to demands from various teachers' organizations and public representatives.
The revised policy will be implemented upon receiving the final report from the appointed committee.