LI Network
Published on: December 09, 2023 at 12:15 IST
The Delhi High Court emphasized that the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) must bolster its effectiveness and establish a more pronounced on-the-ground presence to address the pervasive issue of quackery.
The court sought the DMC’s stance on the verification of doctors and issued notices to both the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the DMC in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) addressing concerns about fake and unqualified doctors.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, expressed the view that the DMC needs to play a more active role in combating the problem of fake doctors, noting, “The fact that DMC is not having the desired impact is a problem.”
Observing the apparent lack of control at the ground level, the court urged the DMC to enhance its presence on the ground, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach.
The PIL, filed by five individuals, including a minor who suffered a brain injury at birth due to “unqualified” doctors, prompted the court to issue notices to the Delhi government and the Centre.
The court suggested that the DMC could publish the names of doctors in the public domain for increased transparency and scrutiny.
The bench also proposed the formation of a committee for verification and stressed the necessity of internal change within the regulatory authorities. The court asserted, “Some process of verification may have to be initiated,” and urged the DMC to take action to ensure its presence is felt on the ground level.
Representatives from the DMC and NMC, Praveen Khattar and T Singhdev, respectively, informed the court about ongoing litigation between authorities and some petitioners, while the counsel for the petitioners emphasized the urgent need for verification due to the potential risks associated with unqualified doctors practicing medicine.
The petitioners sought time-bound verification of medical qualifications and educational certificates of all practitioners across the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The court scheduled the next hearing for January 24.
