Chandigarh: Sanjay Pahwa : Dr. Zora Singh, President IMA Chandigarh State Branch, today took up the matter with Home cum Health Secretary, Chandigarh Administration for taking steps for Cessation of Quackery in Chandigarh. While highlighting the various forms of Quackery Dr.Singh stated that It is an open fact that medical fraternity of qualified doctors is facing a big challenge regarding medical care in India. This is because of the fact that un trained /un qualified/un registered i.e quacks are practicing medicine with impunity.
He expressed his views that quackery has become rampant in all the labor colonies, urban slums & villages of Chandigarh. He further drew the attention that some untrained persons(Quacks) who pretend to be physicians or persons such as physiotherapists/para medical professionals , who are qualified otherwise than doctors. Such persons are pre-fixing the title (Dr.) before their names. They also prescribe medicine & advertise their names in print & electronic media. such quacks are dispensing medical advice & are prescribing allopathic medicines. Dr. Zora Singh further opined that Allopathic system of medicine is an evidence based medicine being offered to citizen of Chandigarh by qualified medical practitioner of medicine whose basic medical qualification is MBBS.
There are large number of un-qualified persons misusing allopathic system to the sick leading to loss of precious lives, or serious complications resulting into prolongation of illness. These unqualified persons are using modern medicine illegally and injudiciously.
While describing some other forms of quackery Dr.Singh stated that certain Institutes are providing illegal diplomas and degrees to persons in fraudulent manner. Admission of medical students in Premier Medical Institutes in different parts of the country including Chandigarh is also being managed illegally by a certain agencies which has been highlighted in both print & electronic media. This also reflects another form of Quackery & is required to be checked.
While expressing the concern about under privileged persons Dr. Singh further elaborated that there seems to be no check on traditional healers & soothsayers. Who are also misguiding innocent persons for quick treatment to several ailments through their tactics.
The products like Magic Bracelets, Rings etc. claiming to cure Blood-Pressure, Diabetes, Asthma, Joint Pains, Stress and other ailments are also being marketed by different agencies. All these acts tantamount to different forms of Quackery. Hence needs to be checked with firm hand.
These quacks are exploiting the ignorance of un educated masses especially residing in peripheral areas of UT Chandigarh. These quacks are practicing without any valid license. Such kind of malicious persons are playing havoc with the health of citizens. Quacks can be punished under:
IPC 419 Attempt of Cheating
IPC 420 Cheating
IPC 338 Inject Drugs causing damage to the body
IPC 471 Keeping fake Documents
Some of Chandigarh affected areas which may be infested with quacks are Colony No.4, Labor colony no.5, Manimajra, Bapu Dham colony, Colony No.5, Dadu Majra, Hallomajra, Behlana, Dhanas, Kajheri, Khuda Alisher, Maloya, Kaimbwala and Mauli Jagran.
The Health Department Chandigarh Administration needs to take stern action against the quacks to check the menace of Quackery in the areas of UT Chandigarh. Dr.Zora Singh President IMA Chandigarh State Branch emphasized that patients should also check the identity of the doctors to curb quackery.