The Karnataka High Court recently addressed a disconcerting case where an individual was posing as a doctor and prescribing medications in Kolar, Karnataka, despite lacking the necessary qualifications. The court, in a statement by Justice M Nagaprasanna, expressed surprise at the petitioner referring to himself as a doctor without meeting the legal criteria.
The petitioner, seeking registration for his clinic named ‘Sangeetha Clinic,’ faced a hurdle as the court examined his qualifications. It was revealed that the individual held a Diploma in Community Medical Services with Essential Drugs from the Indian Council of Medico Technicals and Health Care. However, the court clarified that this diploma did not confer the status of a ‘Private Medical Practitioner’ under the applicable law, specifically the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act 2007.
The court emphasized that the petitioner’s paramedical study did not align with the exhaustive definition in Section 2(k) of the Act, which includes degrees or diplomas obtained by medical practitioners. Consequently, the petitioner was categorized as a para-medical practitioner and deemed ineligible for registration under the Act.
As a consequence, the court ordered the seizure of the petitioner’s clinic, highlighting that the lack of qualification was a fundamental reason for non-registration. In a broader message, Justice Nagaprasanna urged the need to put an end to such practices where individuals, without proper qualifications, engage in medical activities and deceive vulnerable people in rural areas.