Nagpur: In a major move to intensify the action against bogus doctors in the district, Collector and District Magistrate Dr. Vipin Itankar on Monday, April 28, directed that taluka-level committees be strengthened, following the model of the district-level committee. These committees will now be made more effective by including additional members to ensure thorough verification and prompt action against fraudulent medical practitioners.
Addressing a meeting held at the District Collector’s office on Monday, Dr. Itankar noted that the limited membership of existing taluka-level committees was restricting their ability to deliver the expected outcomes. To accelerate the drive, the revamped taluka committees will function under the chairmanship of the respective Taluka Magistrate (Tehsildar) and will include more members for enhanced efficiency.
Currently, the district-level committee comprises 13 members. A decision was taken during the meeting to include the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zilla Parishad as an ex-officio member to strengthen the effort. Dr. Itankar emphasized that action against bogus doctors will be undertaken in accordance with the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, along with various government directives issued from time to time.
Highlighting the concerns in rural areas, he pointed out that to prevent people from being deceived by unqualified practitioners, the CEO of the Zilla Parishad has been assigned specific responsibility to oversee this issue. More focused monitoring will now be done in rural regions under the District Health Department.
To facilitate public complaints against bogus doctors, citizens will soon be able to report such activities through a mobile app and a dedicated grievance helpline. Dr. Itankar assured that any complaint lodged will be securely recorded, and no one will be able to tamper with or destroy the evidence.
A special squad has also been formed to conduct raids against bogus practitioners. This team will comprise medical officers, health extension officers, drug inspectors, assistants, beat officers, police teams, and representatives from the Taluka-level Food and Drug Administration. Specific responsibilities have been assigned to each member of the team to ensure seamless operations.
In addition, similar committees will be established at the municipal corporation level to tackle the issue of bogus doctors in urban areas.
The meeting was attended by Additional Superintendent of Police Ramesh Dhumal, Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande, District Health Officer Dr. Rajkumar Gehlot, Assistant District Health Officer Dr. Asim Inamdar, Dr. Prashant Kapse, Municipal Corporation Medical Officer Dr. Deepak Selokar, and other senior officials.
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