Tamil Nadu: Health department warns against unlicensed doctors
The state health department has warned public against unlicensed medical practitioners.
CHENNAI: Even as the state has intensified its anti-quackery measures, new cases of quack arrest have been reported in northern parts of the state.
The state health department has warned public against unlicensed medical practitioners.
It has warned people against getting prescription and medication from non-licensed doctors. It has given directions to the public to avoid treatment from quacks and ensure they get medication from licensed doctors, particularly, in view of increasing dengue cases.
Health administrators feel that quacks could play spoilt sport during the ensuing monsoon when infections spread.
Pointing out the need of awareness against quacks, Dr T.N. Ravishankar, state president, Indian Medical Association, says, “There have been several cases when the health condition of a patient worsens due to the ill-treatment by quacks. Recurring of such instances should be avoided in case of dengue cases that could endanger the health of the patient. Quackery leads to poor health care services, but people remain unaware.”
“People should question doctors and physicians if they suspect the treatment given to the patient. The doctor is entitled to present the records of their qualifications when asked for it. It is the right of an individual to know about the medical qualifications of the personnel he is being treated from," he added.
Quackery Eradication Committee has been conducting raids if public reports such cases. So far, 24 cases of quacks have been reported this year as per the medical and rural health services department.
Dr P. Banu, director of Medical and Rural Health Services, said that Quackery Eradication Committee is making efforts to act on public complaints. Public should share information on medical practitioners if they are suspicious. With a control on quacks, we can control the spread of many diseases and improve healthcare services.
However, medicos say that even though the registration numbers can be checked at the Tamil Nadu Medical Council website to verify the license of the doctors, the uneducated are not able to practice.
“Government hospitals should provide 24x7 medical facilities so that even at odd hours people do not need to depend on private hospitals and clinics. With round the clock out patient service and increase in the number of specialised doctors, quackery can be checked,” said Dr A. Shanthi, member of Doctors’ Association for Social Equality.