0
0
New Delhi, June 2, 2025:
In a significant move to curb the menace of quackery in the capital, the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has issued comprehensive guidelines to help citizens verify the credentials of their doctors. The Council’s actions come in response to a Delhi High Court directive, following alarming reports of unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals and endangering patients’ lives.
Background: Rise in Quackery Sparks Legal Action
The issue gained prominence after the arrest of Neeraj Aggarwal, a self-styled surgeon accused of conducting unauthorized surgeries that led to multiple deaths. Investigations revealed that Aggarwal, who only held an MBBS degree, had performed surgeries with the help of lab technicians, lacking the necessary qualifications for such procedures. This case, among others, prompted a public interest plea highlighting the unchecked rise of quackery in Delhi.
DMC’s New Measures for Public Safety
Responding to the High Court’s concerns, the DMC outlined several measures to empower patients:
-
Mandatory Registration Numbers: All doctors registered with the DMC must display their registration numbers on prescriptions, medical certificates, and payment receipts.
-
Use of Recognized Qualifications: Doctors are required to use only recognized medical degrees as suffixes to their names and cannot claim specialist status without the appropriate qualifications.
-
Online Verification Tools: The DMC website now features two digital tools—‘Verification of Doctor’s Registration’ and ‘Search Your Doctor’—enabling users to check a doctor’s name, registration number, qualifications, and clinic address.
-
QR Code Verification: Registration certificates issued to doctors now include embedded QR codes. Patients can scan these codes to instantly access the doctor’s credentials, including their photograph, registration number, and verified qualifications.
These steps aim to provide transparency and help prevent incidents of medical fraud by making it easier for citizens to distinguish between qualified practitioners and quacks.
Court Petition Seeks Further Oversight
The plea before the High Court, filed by multiple petitioners including victims of medical malpractice, called for the establishment of a high-powered committee to oversee the verification process. The petitioners argued that lax oversight has allowed unqualified individuals to operate unchecked, putting countless lives at risk.
What Patients Should Do
-
Check for Registration Numbers: Always look for the doctor’s registration number on official documents.
-
Use Official DMC Portals: Verify the doctor’s credentials using the DMC’s online tools.
-
Scan QR Codes: If available, scan the QR code on the doctor’s registration certificate for instant verification.
-
Report Suspicions: If you suspect a practitioner is unqualified, report them to the DMC or relevant authorities.
Looking Ahead
The DMC’s initiatives, combined with judicial oversight, mark a crucial step towards ensuring patient safety and restoring public trust in the healthcare system. The High Court’s ongoing involvement is expected to further strengthen the verification and monitoring of medical practitioners in Delhi.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and official statements from the Delhi Medical Council. The guidelines and verification tools mentioned are subject to updates by the authorities. For the most current information and to verify a doctor’s credentials, please visit the official Delhi Medical Council website or contact them directly. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice.
