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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a time-bound verification of the educational certificates of all doctors in the national capital.

The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna sought responses from the Union government, the Delhi government, the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), and the National Medical Commission. The case has been listed for further hearing on January 24, 2024.

The PIL alleged an unchecked rise in medical quackery in Delhi, citing instances such as the recent exposure of a fake doctor scam at a nursing home.

During the hearing, the Court emphasized the significance of the issues raised in the PIL. It urged the DMC to proactively address instances of medical quackery without waiting for complaints, expressing concern over the lack of ground-level supervision.

The Court directed the DMC to exercise greater vigilance and control, emphasizing the need for the organization to be perceived as responsible by society. Justice Manmohan stressed the importance of the DMC taking preemptive action against corrupt practices rather than reactive measures based on complaints.

Suggesting transparency, the Court proposed making certain details from the State Medical Register available online for public verification. Justice Pushkarna highlighted the need to ensure that a doctor's practiced specialization aligns with their qualifications, preventing misleading claims.

The PIL, filed by a minor along with his mother and three others, raised concerns about individuals with only an MBBS degree posing as specialists and performing surgeries.

The petition alleged collusion between the DMC and fake doctors. The lack of regulatory mechanisms, according to the petition, has led to the unchecked growth of quackery in the city, endangering the well-being of residents.

The Court has given the respondent authorities four weeks to file their responses. Additionally, the Court hinted at its inclination to order the verification of doctors' qualifications through a committee.

Case Title: Master Devarsh Minor, through his mother & Ors. v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.