Nagpur: Taking serious note of the rising concerns over bogus doctors operating in the district, Collector and District Magistrate Dr. Vipin Itankar has directed the strengthening of taluka-level committees to intensify action against unauthorized medical practitioners. The move aims to replicate the effectiveness of the district-level committee model at the grassroots level.
During a meeting held at the District Collectorate on Monday, April 28, Dr. Itankar emphasized that the existing taluka committees had limited manpower, restricting their efficiency in conducting verifications and taking timely action. To overcome this, additional members will now be included in the taluka committees, which will function under the leadership of the Taluka Magistrate (Tehsildar).
Currently, the district-level committee comprises 13 members. In a significant decision during the meeting, it was resolved to induct the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zilla Parishad as an ex-officio member to bolster efforts against bogus doctors. Action will be taken under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, and in accordance with government guidelines issued from time to time.
Dr. Itankar further stressed that rural areas are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent medical practices. To address this, the Zilla Parishad’s CEO has been assigned the responsibility to focus on monitoring medical services in rural regions under the District Health Department’s supervision.
To make complaint registration easier and more transparent, citizens will soon be able to report bogus doctors through a mobile app and a dedicated grievance helpline. Dr. Itankar assured that every complaint will be securely logged and protected from tampering.
A special task force has also been constituted to conduct raids against unauthorized practitioners. The squad will include medical officers, health extension officers, drug inspectors, assistants, beat officers, police personnel, and representatives from the Taluka Food and Drug Administration. Each member has been assigned clear roles and responsibilities to ensure effective operations.
Additionally, committees are also being established at the municipal corporation level to tackle the problem 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.
