Mysuru: The Anti-Quackery Committee set up about ten years ago to fight quack doctors has demanded action against such quacks who have been continuing their practice unabashedly, said Chairman of Anti-Quackery Committee and former President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Mysuru, Dr. Prasanna Shankar.

Addressing a press conference at Pathrakartara Bhavan here recently, he said about ten years back IMA had launched a State-wide anti-Quackery protest for about two days by closing all the clinics and hospitals. The then Health Minister had promised to take stern action against the quacks by identifying them. He suggested to maintain the Register of all the Qualified doctors and those who have not registered as Quacks.

Following this KPME Act (Karnataka Private Medical Establishment Act) was introduced in 2010 by charging exorbitant fees for the registration.  However, this demand by the doctors to set up the Act turned out to be counter-productive for the doctors as the Health authorities instead of weeding out quacks started harassing the qualified KPMEA registered doctors, he said.

Even after ten years of the promise of the then Health Minister, the quacks continue to flourish and practice boldly, he regretted.  “When we ask the Health authorities why they are not taking any action against the quacks, the reply we get is that since they have powerful connections, they cannot touch them. Instead armed with the KPME Act, they continue to harass us,” charged Dr. Shankar.

The Indian Drugs and Cosmetic Act of 1948 is a very powerful Act. As per the Act only MBBS, Dentist and the Veterinary doctors are permitted to prescribe, dispense or to stock the Allopathy drugs in the clinic. The Drug Controllers are having full power to take action against the Qqacks. Under IPC 420 Section, Police can also take action against the duping and cheating doctor-quacks. Under KPME Act, District Health Officer is having full power to take stringent action against the quacks, he said.

The whereabouts of the quacks and their addresses are known to the bureaucrats, but so far they have not taken any action against them. It is the bounden duty of the Health authorities, the DC, Police Officer and the Drug Inspector to take stringent and immediate action against those so-called doctors (quacks) who have not registered under KPMEA appropriate authority, he demanded.

IMA Mysuru President Dr. Prakash, Vice-President Dr. Ananda Ravi, Secretary Dr. Jayanth and Treasurer Dr. Chandraban Singh were present at the press meet.