Vishrambaug police took book from fake doctor

PUNE Vishrambaug police on Friday arrested a fake doctor for allegedly practicing without proper medical qualification and registration with the medical council.

The accused was identified as Pandurang Babanrao Devadkar (40), a resident of Lokmanya Nagar, who allegedly runs an alternative medical center in Vishrambaug area. Police said Devadkar allegedly used ancient herbal medicines to treat patients.

The first information report (FIR) was registered based on a complaint by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for violating the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961, which prohibits the practice of medicine by unregistered persons.

The complaint was filed on behalf of the PMC health department with PMC’s medical officer, Dr. Submitted by Gopal Ujvankar. The FIR was lodged on the instructions of the civic body’s anti-fraud doctor committee.

Deputy medical officer and chairman of the anti-fake doctors committee (PMC), Dr. Rajesh Dighe reported that a complaint was filed against Devadkar on August 26, 2023, alleging that he was working unskilled and unregistered.

“Relevant health officials and the team visited the clinic and examined the nature of the suspect. “During the inspection, it was found that Devadkar did not have the required medical qualification and registration with the medical council,” he said.

He also added that the matter has been forwarded to PMC’s legal unit for comment. “The FIR was lodged after the legal department gave its opinion on the case,” he said.

Dr Ujvankar said that investigations found that Devadkar had put himself forward by claiming to be an expert in ancient herbal medicines. Patients were given alternative medicine treatment despite not having the necessary qualifications.

“It was learned that the patients were treated and consulted. Also, during the examination, records of patients he had previously treated were also found,” Dr. Ujvankar said.

“PMC health officials filed a complaint. He has been booked under section 33(1) of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961,” police said.