Hyderabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed state Medical Councils to assign officers to handle legal complaints against unqualified doctors, known as quacks.
Dr. Yogendra Malik, a member of the NMC’s Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB), communicated with State Council secretaries about restricting unregistered practitioners. He highlighted the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, specifically sections 34 and 54, addressing the issue of unlawful medical practice.
According to section 34 of the Act, only those listed in the State or National Register can legally practice as doctors. They can hold positions typically reserved for physicians, issue medical certificates, and provide expert testimony in court. The Commission is responsible for notifying the Central Government about qualified medical professionals.
The NMC Act, 2019 makes it illegal for unregistered individuals to practice medicine. Legal action against such acts can be initiated by a complaint from an authorized officer of the Commission, EMRB, or a State Medical Council. To uphold these rules, state Medical Councils must appoint an officer for filing complaints in court. Additionally, they need to submit an annual report on this matter to the Commission.
