Odisha Govt Forms District Level Anti-Quackery Cell to Combat Fake Doctors

Bhubaneswar: To curb the proliferation of fake doctors, the Odisha government has established a District Level Anti-Quackery Cell. This decision comes in response to an order from the High Court and underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The decision to set up the Anti-Quackery Cell was made during a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha, following a directive from the High Court in response to Writ Petition (Civil) No. 22970 of 2019 filed by the Odisha State Legal Services Authority Versus the State of Odisha. The court order instructed the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department to devise a comprehensive plan for a surveillance mechanism to identify fake doctors operating in the state.

The newly established District Anti-Quackery Cell will convene as needed upon receiving complaints or information regarding fake doctors from various sources, including individuals, electronic media, print media, social media, or callers. The cell will be responsible for submitting quarterly reports on identified fake doctors in Odisha, following which the health department will take appropriate action.

Comprising representatives from key stakeholders such as the Collector & District Magistrate, the Superintendent of Police, the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM & PHO), the District Legal Service Authority, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Anti-Quackery Cell aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector.