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In written communication directed towards the State Medical Councils, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) operating under the purview of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a recent cautionary notice. This notice specifically addresses the issue of medical practitioners employing counterfeit or unacknowledged qualifications. The EMRB has further requested that the State Medical Bodies take proactive measures to disseminate information about the relevant NMC regulations, particularly concerning the potential punitive consequences that doctors could encounter due to such actions.
The correspondence from the Ethics Board of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has been prompted by the Commission’s awareness of cases wherein registered medical practitioners have asserted their specialization despite lacking the necessary qualifications in a specific field. Addressing this matter, the Ethics Board of the NMC stated in a letter dated August 18, 2023, “Instances have been brought to the attention of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board wherein registered Medical Practitioners assert their specialization without possessing the requisite qualification in the specific branch.”
The letter also pointed out, “The concern of individuals identifying themselves as self-proclaimed specialists or super specialists, supported by unrecognized medical degrees and diplomas, has been raised by organizations involved in the field.”
Recognizing the significance of making both the general public and unregistered medical practitioners aware of such unethical behaviors, the Commission recognized the importance of disseminating information about the improper utilization of counterfeit medical degrees by registered medical professionals. This initiative also aims to outline the potential punitive consequences that doctors may encounter due to such actions.
Highlighting this objective, Manish Kumar Mittal, the Undersecretary of the NMC Ethics Board, emphasized in the letter, “To enhance awareness among citizens and unregistered medical practitioners regarding unethical conduct throughout all the states in India, it is crucial to raise awareness against the utilization of fake or unrecognized medical degrees by Registered Medical Practitioners. This includes educating them about the possible repercussions, such as the suspension or revocation of their medical registrations as stipulated by the law.”
“In light of this matter, we kindly request all State Medical Councils (SMCs) to take proactive measures in disseminating information regarding the provisions outlined in the Regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC). These regulations state unequivocally that a Registered Medical Practitioner must refrain from asserting their status as a clinical specialist unless they possess NMC-approved training and qualifications in the precise branch of modern medicine,” the communication further elaborated.
