Notices to 40 Telangana doctors for being hand in glove with quacks

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Medical Council (TGMC) has issued notices to 40 doctors in the state for their association with quacks. Some of the doctors were found to be offering cuts to quacks for referring complicated cases to them.

This referral system, which exposes the strong network of unqualified practitioners, exists throughout the state. The influence of quacks is particularly strong in rural areas.

"Many doctors and hospitals in these areas are dependent on quacks for referrals, as people prefer to go to unqualified practitioners and consult qualified doctors only when their health condition worsens," said Dr G Srinivas, chairman of the TGMC. In many places, qualified doctors feel that it is almost impossible to operate without the assistance of these unqualified practitioners. During a recent raid in Gajwel, a diagnostic centre there was conducting MRI and CT scans on the prescription of quacks.

"We are taking action against qualified doctors who encourage quacks and give referral fees for patients. The quacks refer complicated cases to the doctors and the doctors in turn give percentages to the quacks. This is unethical according to the Medical Council of India's Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethical Rules, 2002," adds Srinivas.

The rules state that a doctor shall not give, solicit or receive any gift, gratuity, commission or bonus as reward for referring, recommending or procuring a patient for medical, surgical or other treatment.