Maha govt launches 'Know Your Doctor' QR system to track registered medical professionals
Mumbai, June 24
In a major move to help citizens easily identify genuine, registered medical practitioners, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif announced in the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the Maharashtra Medical Council has launched a QR code-based system called 'Know Your Doctor.'
By scanning the QR code, citizens can instantly verify whether a doctor is legally registered to practise. This initiative also aims to curb the menace of bogus doctors in the state. The Minister was replying to a question raised during Question Hour by MLA Vijay Deshmukh regarding action taken against bogus doctors in Solapur district.
Elaborating on the state's medical infrastructure, Minister Mushrif shared that Maharashtra currently has around 1,40,000 registered doctors actively providing healthcare services. Furthermore, approximately 12,824 new MBBS graduates enter the state's medical field every year.
The Minister defined "bogus doctors" as individuals practising medicine without the mandatory registrations across various medical fields, including MBBS and Post-Graduate Medical Education, Ayurveda (BAMS), Homoeopathy (BHMS), Unani and Dental sciences.
Between 2015 and 2026, a total of 89 criminal cases have been registered against such unauthorised practitioners in the state. To curb this menace, the government has set up dedicated monitoring bodies. District-level committees function under the chairmanship of District Collectors, while taluka-level committees operate under the chairmanship of Tehsildars. Minister Mushrif announced that these committees will soon be restructured to include local public representatives for stricter oversight.
Highlighting the stringent legal provisions against unauthorised medical practices, the Minister warned that offenders face severe consequences.
He said that under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Guidelines, there is a provision for up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
As per the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, there is a provision for up to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine for the first offence, while repeat offenders face up to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.
Additionally, Minister Mushrif stated that the government is supportive of making necessary amendments to the PC-PNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act to ensure that those who risk citizens' lives face the harshest possible punishment.
During the Question Hour, MLAs Rahul Kul and Rahul Patil also raised supplementary questions on the matter.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative but the real test will be implementation. Govt needs to ensure the database is updated regularly and QR codes are displayed prominently in all clinics. Also, hope this doesn't become another paper tiger like many other schemes.
Only 89 cases in 11 years? That's just the tip of the iceberg! In rural areas, there must be thousands of unregistered practitioners operating freely. Need more proactive inspections, not just reactive action after complaints. But happy to see this tech step.
This is long overdue! My family always struggled to find reliable doctors in Mumbai suburbs. The QR system will save so much time and anxiety. Also appreciate the harsh penalties - 10 years for repeat offenders sends a strong message. 👌
What about AYUSH practitioners? They're also mentioned - hope the QR system covers all registered systems of medicine equally. Many people visit Ayurvedic or Homeopathic doctors in good faith. Need clear rules for everyone.
The taluka-level committees with public representatives is a smart move. Local people know who's genuine and who's faking it. Just hope these committees meet regularly and don't become another bureaucratic tool. Also, 1 year jail seems too lenient for those risking lives.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.