Against the backdrop of several instances of violations of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, a Gadchiroli based bogus doctor has recently been convicted for violating Section 33 of the act. The quack has been sentenced to two years imprisonment with a fine of Rs.5000 in contravention to the provisions of the law. Section 33 of Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act prohibits medical practice by unregistered people.  

Besides this, Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council (MSPC) has found 1400 such cases of bogus doctors in pharmacy inspections related to Section 42 and submitted the report to the district vigilance committee for further action.

According to an official, the incident of Gadchiroli has highlighted the plight of patients who are vulnerable to quacks in the absence of an effective monitoring and regulatory system in place.

The bogus doctor found in Gadchiroli has a qualification from Government Ayurvedic and Unani Medical Council, Bihar which is invalid according to Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) records. MSPC had lodged an FIR against the doctor at Gadchiroli Police Station for treating patients and dispensing medicines without a valid registration and degree. The doctor has, however, been convicted after due course of investigations and court proceedings.

Besides this, the lack of interest among many doctors to serve in remote areas is also giving rise to the growing number of quacks. Unregistered and unqualified people therefore get a free hand in putting at risk lives of many patients.

Any person, who acts in contravention of any of the provisions of Sec 33 will have a rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than two years but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than two thousand rupees but which may extend to ten thousand rupees; and for a second or subsequent offence, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and with the fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees. Provided that, when the contravention is continued after the order of conviction, a further fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, for each day of continuation of such contravention, may be imposed.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also take action against bogus doctors in violation of Section 18 (C) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Schedule K of rules.