The state government has issued instructions to the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to introduce QR codes for doctors to help patients verify their authenticity and curb practice of “bogus” or unqualified practitioners.
Minister of State Madhuri Misal recently informed the Legislative Council that the process to enact a stricter law against fake doctors is currently underway. When contacted, MMC administrator Dr Vinky Rughwani, who had initiated this project, told The Indian Express to counter the menace of ‘bogus’ doctors and practitioners, the state has issued instructions to the effect and the MMC is in the process of making QR codes mandatory.
“The healthcare system in Maharashtra continues to face a significant challenge with unlicensed and fraudulent medical practices, which pose a serious threat, particularly in vulnerable and rural areas. At Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), we have consistently taken proactive measures, including identifying and delisting fraudulent practices from its registry. This initiative was aimed at empowering patients and enhancing transparency in healthcare,” said Dr Rughwani, adding that accordingly, registered medical practitioners were encouraged to display the QR code-based KYD card at their clinics .This allows patients to scan it using their smartphones and access verified information about the authenticity of the doctor.
There are 2.12 lakh medical practitioners registered with MMC. Ever since the initiative was launched also as part of your `Know your doctor’ campaign, approximately 13,700 doctors have MMC certified QR codes.
MMC elections to be held within three months
Doctors have welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) order on January 7, that has directed a newly appointed returning officer (RO) for elections to MMC. When contacted, Sunil Dhonde, the newly appointed RO, told The Indian Express that as per the order, polls will have to be conducted within three months. In their order, the apex court bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan said the process would start de novo—meaning the process would have to begin afresh by the Returning Officer and fix the date on a Sunday/any public holiday so that members can vote.
It may be recalled that the MMC elections were due since a few years and while elections for nine members had been announced last year, the high court, in March last year, had rejected a petition filed by Dr Sachin Pawar who had challenged the appointment of the returning officer on the grounds of eligibility. Dr Pawar then approached the Supreme Court, which had stayed the election process and directed the state government to appoint another returning officer.
The Supreme Court meanwhile, directed that the elections be taken to its logical conclusion and as per the order, if any objections are found to be frivolous, then it shall be dealt with strictly. Dr Sanjay Patil , chairperson of the Hospital Board of India, Pune Chapter welcomed the order.
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