‘Self-styled’ doctor nabbed, clinic sealed
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 3: In order to monitor and identify doctors with doubtful credentials, authorities in district Anantnag today sought details of all doctors practicing at private hospitals and clinics across the district after a self-styled doctor was nabbed.
In this regard, administrators of private healthcare institutions in the district have been asked to provide the names of practicing doctors, along with details of their degrees, registration numbers from the J&K Medical Council, and their mobile numbers.
Click here to watch video
A circular issued in this regard emphasized transparency in the system and urged all private hospitals/clinics in District Anantnag to submit information about practicing doctors within three days.
The action was prompted by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Anantnag, after a doctor with allegedly fake degrees was found operating at a clinic in Mehman Gali in Anantnag district.
The so-called doctor, identified as Gulzar Ahmad, accused of falsely presenting himself as a gastroenterologist, was exposed by the efforts of a social activist in the district.
Social activist Dr. Abdul Bari Naik and his team conducted ground research for nearly 10 days, revealing that the person was practicing in various districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal, besides Anantnag.
“We found out that, apart from Medwin Pharmacy in Anantnag, the person was also seeing patients at National Drug Store, Hawal; Mankind Pharmacy, Nowshera; and Dar Medicos, Ganderbal,” said Dr. Bari.
Allegations were also made that the degrees presented by the doctor were tampered with and did not belong to him.
“Even the degree he has been showing from PGI Chandigarh is tampered with; it indicates that he has also studied in London, which does not seem to be the case; the prescription shows that he has an MBBS degree with MD in General Medicine, plus, a certified superspecialist in Gastroenterology,” Dr Bari stated.
However, when the ‘Excelsior’ team and the activist attempted to confront the so-called doctor to discuss the matter, he chose to flee, seeking pardon.
“I went to the clinic as a patient, and the registration number he provided belongs to someone else. I checked; all the degrees were bogus,” said Dr Bari.
Meanwhile, noting the matter, district health authorities promptly took action by sealing the clinic and initiating an investigation.
Dr. M.Y. Zagoo, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag, told Excelsior: “We have taken action; the pharmacy was swiftly sealed, and we are now investigating the allegations; we will ensure that his credentials are verified, and necessary action will be taken accordingly; apart from that, we have also issued directions to private hospitals and clinics to submit details of practicing doctors.”
It is to be noted here that earlier, last year, a case of a fake doctor also came to the fore at Lal Ded Hospital here, who was seen roaming around in the hospital terming himself as a cardiologist.
After the public outcry on the matter, the authorities formed an inquiry committee, which was asked to look into the matter and submit the necessary recommendations; however, so far, the recommendations have not been made public, nor have the authorities informed on the corrective measures taken to prevent such incidents from happening.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
