Orissa HC Orders Survey to Identify Fake Medical Practitioners

The Court notes with concern that in a survey conducted by the World Bank it was noticed that
at least 51% of the medical practitioners do not possess valid qualifications. The Court is of the
view that, in light of the above report, the action taken only in respect of one case can hardly be
termed as adequate.

Accordingly, a direction is issued to the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Health and
Family Welfare Department, to come up with a comprehensive plan under which a survey will
be undertaken to ascertain that every allopathic doctor practicing in Odisha possesses the proper
and relevant qualification. Such a survey should be undertaken in a time bound manner and be
concluded preferably within a period of six months. An affidavit be filed in this Court by the
Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, at least one week
prior to the next date, setting out the modalities of verification, the time period within which the
verification will be concluded and the consequential action if it is found that a person was
practicing without due qualification. The steps will be taken in coordination with the Medical
Council of India.

References:

1. Live Law- https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/orissa-high-court-allopathic-doctors-
   qualification-survey-217430
   
2. Medical Dialogues- https://medicaldialogues.in/news/health/doctors/all-allopathy-doctors-should-have-proper-qualifications-odisha-hc-directs-state-to-devise-plan-for-
   identifying-fake-doctors-104555

Source: Medindia