24 June,2026 07:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra tightens action against bogus doctors with new verification system. Representational Pic
A simple smartphone scan could soon become a powerful tool against fake medical practitioners in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Medical Council has launched a QR code-based verification system called 'Know Your Doctor' that allows citizens to instantly check whether a doctor is legally authorised to practise, reported IANS.
Announcing the initiative in the State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif said, "by scanning the QR code, citizens can instantly verify whether a doctor is legally registered to practise," Mushrif told the Assembly. The minister said the system would also help tackle the problem of bogus doctors operating across the state.
He was responding to a question raised by MLA Vijay Deshmukh on action taken against unauthorised practitioners in Solapur district. The matter was discussed extensively during Question Hour, with MLAs Rahul Kul and Rahul Patil also seeking clarifications on the issue, reported the news agency.
Mushrif said Maharashtra currently has around 1.4 lakh registered doctors providing medical services.
According to reports, he also noted that approximately 12,824 MBBS graduates join the state's healthcare system every year, strengthening the availability of trained medical professionals.
The minister explained that bogus doctors are individuals who practise medicine without obtaining the mandatory registrations required under various recognised systems of medicine.
These include modern medicine (MBBS and postgraduate medical education), Ayurveda (BAMS), Homoeopathy (BHMS), Unani and Dental Sciences.
According to the government, such unauthorised practitioners pose a serious risk to public health and patient safety.
Mushrif informed the Assembly that between 2015 and 2026, a total of 89 criminal cases had been registered against bogus doctors across Maharashtra, as per the news agency.
To strengthen enforcement, the state has established district-level committees headed by District Collectors and taluka-level committees headed by Tehsildars.
The minister announced that these committees would soon be restructured to include local public representatives to ensure stricter monitoring and oversight.
Highlighting the legal consequences for unauthorised medical practice, Mushrif said existing laws provide for stringent punishment. Under National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, offenders can face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
He further said that under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, first-time offenders can face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine. While for repeat offenders he said "there is a provision for up to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment," reported IANS.
Mushrif also said the government supports making necessary amendments to the PC-PNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act to ensure strict action against those who endanger citizens' lives through illegal medical practices.
(With IANS Inputs)
