The Maharashtra government has introduced a QR code-based verification system titled ‘Know Your Doctor’ to help citizens easily verify whether a medical practitioner is officially registered and authorised to practise medicine in the state. Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif announced the initiative in the State Assembly on Wednesday while responding to a question raised by MLA Vijay Deshmukh regarding action against bogus doctors in Solapur district.
The system has been launched through the Maharashtra Medical Council and is aimed at improving transparency in the healthcare sector. By scanning a doctor’s QR code, patients can instantly access details regarding the practitioner’s registration status and professional credentials.
Mushrif informed the House that nearly 1.40 lakh registered doctors are currently practising across Maharashtra, while around 12,824 new MBBS graduates join the medical profession every year. He said individuals practising medicine without mandatory registration in fields such as MBBS, postgraduate medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, BAMS, BHMS and dental sciences are categorised as bogus doctors.
Action Against Unauthorised Practitioners
According to government data, 89 cases have been registered against unauthorised medical practitioners across Maharashtra between 2015 and 2026.
To tackle illegal medical practice, district-level committees headed by District Collectors and taluka-level committees led by Tehsildars are functioning across the state. The minister said these committees will soon be restructured to include public representatives, strengthening monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Mushrif also highlighted the stringent penalties prescribed for unauthorised medical practice. As per recommendations of the National Medical Commission (NMC), offenders can face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, violators may be punished with imprisonment of up to two years or a monetary penalty. Repeat offenders can face even harsher punishment, including imprisonment of up to 10 years.
The government believes the ‘Know Your Doctor’ initiative will empower patients to verify the authenticity of medical practitioners and help curb the menace of bogus doctors operating in the state.
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